Queensland’s renewable energy landscape is changing and battery storage has also now entered a new phase of regulatory scrutiny. In December 2025, the Queensland Government introduced significant planning reforms that bring large-scale BESS projects into the same assessment framework already applied to wind and solar farms.

These reforms follow on from earlier changes in 2025 that made solar and wind developments impact assessable and required developers to complete social impact assessments and community benefit agreements before applications could proceed

The race to roll out renewable energy in NSW is reshaping regional communities but many residents and councils in renewable energy zones (REZ) are reaching breaking point. These projects promise cleaner power, new jobs, and regional investment. Yet, for those living within REZs, the constant stream of consultation has become overwhelming. Principal Engagement and Social Planning Alysia Bradshaw explains.

Hosting large-scale renewable projects can be a tough pill to swallow for many regional communities. In addition to environmental impacts, there are increasing concerns about the impact-benefit imbalance.

Anxiety and uncertainty within a hosting community can very quickly transform into project opposition, bringing both significant challenges and added time and costs to project approvals.