REZ readiness assessments
We‘ve developed a detailed process to assess how ready communities are to host a Renewable Energy Zone (REZ.)
We’ll use this process, called a REZ readiness assessment to identify:
- if your community is suitable to host a REZ
- how your community would benefit from a REZ longer term
- how to minimise any cumulative impacts.
We’re partnering with the Office of the Coordinator General and Powerlink to complete REZ readiness assessments.
The assessment process
We've developed a clear approach to assess how ready communities are to host a REZ.
Understand local priorities and trends
We’ll start by researching and talking to local people to understand what’s important to your community.
Identify necessary infrastructure
We’ll consider what infrastructure is needed to build the potential REZ and how it will affect the local and regional area.
Assess local and regional impacts of REZ development
We’ll use community feedback to understand which impacts are most important to you.
Develop strategies
We’ll create plans to maximise benefits and reduce any negative impacts of a potential REZ development. These plans support your community's readiness to host a REZ and are based on what your community values.
Make recommendations
We’ll suggest actions based on our findings. This will inform the decision made by the Queensland Treasurer and the Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs about whether the area is declared a REZ.
What we’ll consider
We’ll consider social, environmental and economic factors when we carry out a REZ readiness assessment for your local region or area.
This includes:
- First Nations considerations
- local infrastructure like roads and bridges
- transport
- workforce
- housing and accommodation
- supply chains and the circular economy (how we recycle and reprocess waste)
- land use and agriculture
- local industry
- environment
- social infrastructure, including health.
Our community sessions start in 2024
Our first community sessions are taking place in central Queensland, where we'll assess if the region is ready for REZ development at a strategic level. We'll also assess the potential Callide REZ at a detailed, local level.
We’ll be hosting community workshops, drop-in and pop-up sessions in key locations. Join us and have your say.
Community sessions and assessments for the north, far north and southern Queensland are due to start in late 2024 or early 2025.
How we’ll use our findings
We’ll use the findings from REZ readiness assessments to inform our work across government.
This includes finding the best way to support communities as they move to renewable energy.
This could involve:
- upgrading local roads
- protecting the local environment
- supporting local industry.
We‘ll also work with Powerlink, who will construct the REZ transmission infrastructure, and make sure the findings are used to develop and inform their REZ management plan.
Final report and recommendations
After each REZ readiness assessment, we’ll release a report summarising the key findings, recommendations, and insights from local communities.
The reports will be available on our website. They will also inform the Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs in their decisions as to which areas are declared REZs.
By taking a coordinated approach, we’ll make sure that the planning, infrastructure and processes that are established for renewable energy development support regional communities and deliver better outcomes.
The Queensland Government has committed $20 million from the Regional Economic Futures Fund to action recommendations from REZ readiness assessments.
Stay up to date
- Read about the REZ roadmap
- Sign up to receive REZ updates by email
- Last updated:
- 20 June 2024