The Central Queensland town of Nebo will host a Queensland Community Renewables Forum on Thursday, November 28, which is being in conjunction with the Isaac Regional Council and AgForce.

This is the second Queensland Community Renewables Forum, which follows the inaugural QCRF held at Miles in July, attended by more than 150 farmers, landholders and residents.

This free event invites the Isaac community, renewable energy developers, and key stakeholders from agriculture and government to come together.

Attendees will have the unique opportunity to explore the challenges and potential of large scale renewable energy projects in the region. Through direct conversations with energy developers and industry bodies, as well as interactive presentations from experts across renewables, agriculture, and community sectors, participants will be able to engage in meaningful discussions helping to shape the future of renewable energy in the Isaac Region.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Kelly Vea Vea stated the importance of including Isaac communities, located in Queensland’s largest resource region, in discussions around renewable energy.

“The renewable energy industry is a key part of Isaac’s diverse economy, and with continued growth and innovation, our region has a bright future ahead,” Cr Vea Vea said.

“We are dedicated to playing our part in Queensland’s renewable future, and we want to ensure that our communities have a voice in shaping that future.

“In our region, alone, we have 26 projects that are currently at various stages of approval. Isaac is positioned to thrive in the renewables boom.

“For us, it’s essential that our communities define what this future looks like and the legacy it will leave for generations to come.

“Working together can make a huge difference. It’s important that local people feel confident to ask questions, get advice, and share their thoughts at round tables like this. That’s why we’re supporting the Queensland Community Renewables Forum in Nebo.”

AgForce, Queensland’s peak organisation for rural producers, has shown support for the forum in Nebo, viewing it as an essential opportunity to enhance understanding of renewable energy development and ensure their voices are heard and respected in an important conversation.

“AgForce emphasises the importance of empowering farmers during the renewable energy transition – it’s about making informed decisions about their enterprises and future aspirations,” AgForce Chief Executive Officer Michael Guerin said.

“Regional communities have much to gain from genuine conversations, and this requires authentic engagement between the community and industry, along with effective benefit
sharing and supportive frameworks.

“Events like the Queensland Community Renewables Forum are crucial for fostering engagement and information sharing, helping farmers and regional communities grasp the implications of the renewable energy transition for their livelihoods and local areas.

“By promoting respectful cooperation, we can achieve a fair energy transition while safeguarding agricultural land for future generations.”

The Queensland Community Renewables Forums are a partnership between the Queensland Government, the state’s only renewable peak industry body Queensland Renewable Energy Council (QREC), and the independent statutory body Coexistence Queensland.

Community members are encouraged to register for the Queensland Community Renewables Forum in Nebo at queenslandrenewables.org.au

Source: Queensland Community Renewables Forum