May 6, 2025
The State Government has introduced legislation into Parliament which will make major solar farms “impact assessable”.
This means a development application will have to be lodged with the relevant local council and a public notification process undertaken.
The public will be able to submit feedback – both positive and negative – which the council must consider before making a decision on the application.
The application will be assessed against the council’s planning scheme and relevant State codes.
Member for Nanango, Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said the new planning framework would require renewable energy proponents to build social licence by showing how their projects would deliver meaningful, long-term benefits to affected communities.
“This legislation delivers a voice for regional communities after Labor spent a decade shutting them out of the consultation process on major renewable projects,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“The changes ensure developers are subject to the same community consultation, transparency, and social accountability expected of all large-scale projects.
“These amendments to the Planning Act will make it mandatory for renewable projects to engage early and genuinely with local councils and residents, and to contribute a lasting legacy for the Nanango electorate.”
These reforms build on earlier changes that made wind farms impact assessable.
- Related article: Planning Change For Wind Farms
