Central Queensland renewable energy zones
Initial community sessions completed
Central Queensland communities have provided important input to our pilot REZ readiness assessments for the region and the potential Callide REZ. Read our initial findings and actions.
Based on our analysis and community input, we’ve committed $25.8 million to delivering early actions to support communities while planning for future REZs continues.
We’ll continue talking with your community about the REZs and implementing these early actions to make sure we keep addressing your local needs and priorities.
Central Queensland is well-positioned for the energy transformation with huge industry demand in the region and growing interest from the hydrogen sector.
Renewable energy will support regional industries like agriculture, manufacturing and minerals processing to grow and reduce carbon emissions.
We've worked with Powerlink to identify 4 potential renewable energy zones (REZs) and to coordinate the planning and development of clean energy infrastructure in these regions.
These REZs are areas with high potential for renewable energy, significant developer interest and will support how multiple clean energy generators, like wind and solar projects, connect in a coordinated way.
This will lower costs and deliver better outcomes for regional communities and industries. REZs will also help attract investment to the right areas in central Queensland.
REZs will be built and connected over time which provides ongoing job opportunities.
Read more about Central Queensland’s REZs in the Queensland Renewable Energy Zone Roadmap (PDF, 15 MB).
Potential REZs in Central Queensland
There are 4 potential REZs in Central Queensland:
- Isaac
- Capricorn
- Calliope
- Callide.
When they're completed, these REZs are expected to generate up to 8,200MW of renewable energy.
REZ readiness assessments
In 2024, we invited local communities to take part in our pilot REZ Readiness Assessments and have their say on future REZ developments.
We’ve completed pilot REZ readiness assessments for Central Queensland at a strategic, regional level and the potential Callide REZ at a detailed, local level.
These REZ readiness assessments help inform planning for future REZ developments in these areas. They identify potential cumulative impacts and the opportunities that developing renewable energy could bring to the region, and support coordinated action from state government agencies.
We’re continuing to plan for future potential REZ development in this region.
Importantly, any future REZ declaration would be subject to further community consultation.
Findings and actions
Your feedback actively informed the early actions we’re taking to make sure Central Queensland communities are supported through planning for future REZ development.
We’ve outlined our findings and the first actions we’re taking to support the community’s readiness.
Read the:
We’ll continue to engage closely with local communities, stakeholders and councils to make sure local needs and priorities continue to inform REZ planning and development. These assessments are not a set-and-forget exercise.
We’ll publish next steps and further opportunities to get involved on this website.
Learn more
- For the latest news about the renewable energy transformation in your region, sign up to our mailing list.
- Read about community feedback on the draft REZ Roadmap and broader energy transformation.
- Last updated
- 14 October 2024