Renewable Energy Community Benefit Agreement

 

Building lasting benefits for the Isaac region

Isaac is carrying a big share of Queensland’s energy future. Our communities deserve projects that bring real, long term value. This page sets out Council’s approach to Community Benefit Agreements so proponents, partners and residents know exactly how benefits are delivered and measured.

What is a Community Benefit Agreement?

A Community Benefit Agreement (CBA) is a formal agreement between Isaac Regional Council and a renewable energy proponent. It sets clear commitments that make sure projects deliver practical benefits for local people, services and places. CBAs sit alongside planning approvals and Social Impact Assessments to give certainty for industry and confidence for communities.

Who it applies to

Wind, solar, hydro and stand alone battery energy storage projects in the Isaac region with an output of one megawatt or more.

How CBAs work in Isaac

Every CBA has three parts:

Community Benefit Contributions
Proponents contribute an annual amount linked to project size and type. These funds support legacy projects like community facilities, housing, education and regional infrastructure. A small share funds coordination so delivery stays on track.

Community Benefit Agreement Conditions
Clear, enforceable conditions manage project impacts. These may cover workforce, housing, procurement, waste, water, roads, safety and amenity.

The six pillars of social licence

Our framework is built on six practical pillars that guide negotiations and delivery.

  • Community and stakeholder engagement
    Genuine, ongoing engagement that keeps people informed, involved and heard from the planning stage through to operation.
  • Workforce management
    Prioritising local and regional jobs, supporting training and apprenticeships, and ensuring rosters and workplace practices are fair and safe.
  • Housing and accommodation
    Making sure projects add capacity and choice, support liveability, and help workers and families be part of the local community.
  • Local business and industry procurement
    Creating real opportunities for local suppliers, First Nations businesses and regional industries, while building long-term capability.
  • Health and community wellbeing
    Supporting the services and facilities that matter most – like childcare, schools, healthcare and emergency response – while managing impacts like noise, dust, water and traffic.
  • Hard infrastructure
    Ensuring roads, water, wastewater and other critical infrastructure are upgraded where projects create new demand.
Contribution amounts

Minimum annual contributions are based on approved capacity within the Isaac local government area.

  • Solar: $850 per MW per year
  • Wind: $1,050 per MW per year
  • Stand alone BESS: $150 per MWh per year
  • Other storage including hydro: $850 per MWh per year

Amounts are indexed each year to keep pace with costs. Mixed generation projects are calculated by type and added together.

Where the money goes
  • Legacy and community projects that deliver visible, long term benefits in host towns
  • Future investment to support intergenerational outcomes and ongoing social investment
  • Program coordination to make sure delivery is transparent, timely and accountable

Council reports annually on contributions received and how funds are used.

Why this matters
  • Gives industry certainty on Council expectations and process
  • Ensures a fair return to host communities
  • Protects liveability and supports growth
  • Builds trust through clear reporting and delivery
Work with us

Thinking about a project in Isaac or ready to progress a CBA discussion?

  1. Read the documents
  2. Talk to our team
    We can walk you through expectations, timelines and engagement process. Email records@isaac.qld.gov.au ATTN: Renewable Energy Coordinator