The Queensland Government has released the draft 2023 Queensland Renewable Energy Zone Roadmap (REZ Roadmap) for consultation. The REZ Roadmap will help coordinate the development of clean energy infrastructure in areas of high renewable potential, maximising benefits for regional communities.
Partner Damian Roe and Solicitor Jess Beater from HopgoodGanim's Resources and Energy practice report.
What is the REZ Roadmap?
The REZ Roadmap outlines the pathway for connecting 22 gigawatts of new wind and solar generation, which is eight times more renewable energy than Queensland has now. It also represents a steady pipeline of ongoing jobs and other community benefits over the coming years.
The framework for developing Renewable Energy Zones, in accordance with the REZ Roadmap, is to work with landholders, communities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, industry and regional stakeholders across all stages of REZ development.
The REZ Roadmap has been developed in line with the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan to meet Queensland’s renewable energy targets of 50% by 2030, 70% by 2032, and 80% by 2035.
Further information is available from the Queensland Government about the REZ Roadmap.
How to make a submission?
The community has been invited to make submission on the REZ Roadmap with a focus on the following questions:
- What should the strategic and detailed REZ Readiness Assessments focus on to maximise local opportunities and manage impacts from REZ development?
- How should Regional Energy Reference Groups be established and what role should they play in setting local investment priorities and shaping REZ outcomes?
- Should there be a coordinated scheme in place to invest in local priorities to leave a positive legacy for REZ communities and how should this operate?
What else do we need to consider for REZ development in Queensland?
Submissions can be made by emailing [email protected]. The consultation period will close on Friday, 22 September 2023.
What are the next steps after the REZ Roadmap consultation?
Community feedback will be reviewed by the Queensland Government and used to inform how Renewable Energy Zones are developed. The Renewable Energy Zones will then be published in the final 2023 REZ Roadmap.
The REZ Roadmap will also inform legislation through the draft Energy (Renewable Transformation and Jobs) Bill, scheduled for introduction to Parliament in late 2023.
We will keep you updated as the REZ Roadmap progresses. For further information, please reach out to our Resources and Energy team.