Isaac Regional Council and AgForce have welcomed the arrival of Queensland Community Renewables Forums (QCRF) in Nebo later this month.
Following the resounding success of the inaugural QCRF event in the Western Downs in July, the second forum will be held at the Nebo Memorial Hall, in the Isaac region, on Thursday, 28 November.
The forum is a free event to bring together the Isaac community, renewable energy developers, and key stakeholders from the agriculture and government sectors.
Participants will have the chance to talk through the challenges and opportunities associated with large-scale renewable energy development in the region, through one-on-one conversations with energy developers and industry bodies, plus a series of interactive presentations with experts from the renewables, agriculture and community sectors.
More than 150 farmers, landholders and residents attended the first forum in the Western Downs town of Miles in July.
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
KEY FACTS
- Thursday, 28 November
- Expo: 8am-5pm
- Presentations: 9.30am-3pm
- Light refreshments and lunch provided.
- Free attendance, online registration preferred.
- Nebo Memorial Hall, 16 Reynolds St Nebo.
For more information please contact:
Georgina Robinson +61 409 565 612, [email protected]
