One task awaiting the new Queensland Government is the development of a mandatory code of conduct for renewable energy developers, which was left unfinished under the previous government's Energy (Renewable Transformation and Jobs) Act.
The code is expected to focus primarily on the “social licence” of renewable energy developers, requiring developers to demonstrate that they have engaged with local communities, landholders and other stakeholders before they connect to a transmission grid.
The proposal for a mandatory code of conduct comes as a response to public distrust of renewable energy projects and developers as well as dissatisfaction at the lack of engagement with local communities and the way concerns are addressed throughout the development, construction and operation stages of renewable energy projects.
Emphasis is expected on how the renewable energy project will benefit the broader community through improvements to infrastructure, increased jobs and support for the economy. However, it is unclear how a code will propose to balance the interests of host landholders with that of their neighbours and the broader community. Developers could become inclined to pay less in rent to host landowners if they are forced to spend elsewhere in the community.
Although the code was expected to be implemented in 2025, we are yet to see whether the new Queensland Government will continue its development and if so, what form it will take.
We would like to acknowledge the contribution of Bridie Shooter.
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