Renewable energy partners announce regional initiatives for Isaac

Published on 19 May 2026

Renewable energy companies working across the Isaac region have announced a package of practical community initiatives following ongoing engagement with local communities and coordination with Isaac Regional Council.

The initiatives focus on better telecommunications, safer roads, local jobs, education pathways, reliable energy solutions for local schools and support for farmers.

Squadron Energy, CS Energy, Iberdrola Australia and Tilt Renewables have been working together over the past 12 months through a regional collaboration group established to improve coordination across renewable energy projects and respond to priorities raised by local communities.

Squadron Energy Head of Community and Regional Development Jessica Kite said, “Working with Isaac Regional Council and Iberdrola is about making sure the clean energy future delivers real, lasting benefits for locals, from more local business opportunities through our local supplier forum to stronger pathways into education and work through scholarship programs.”

“The Clarke Creek telecommunications tower upgrade is legacy infrastructure that matters, providing more reliable coverage that improves safety and access to services for households and businesses.”

“We heard from farmers that feral pigs are a major issue, together with Council and Iberdrola we can deliver a coordinated control program that helps strengthen regional resilience.” Ms Kite said.

As part of the collaboration, Squadron Energy, Iberdrola Australia and CS Energy have jointly committed $750,000 to upgrade the existing Telstra telecommunications tower at Broadsound to improve internet and telecommunications access for the local community.

A contract with Telstra has now been executed, with works expected to commence shortly and be completed within the next 12 to 14 months.

Ross Rolfe AO, Chairman, Iberdrola Australia said “We know our projects have an impact on infrastructure and services, particularly during construction. Improving the connectivity of the Clarke Creek community is to support businesses and households is one important step.”

Once complete, the upgrade will provide more reliable coverage for households, farms and local businesses, while supporting safer travel, emergency response and better access to essential services.

The collaboration group has also committed to improving coordination and transparency around road contributions and infrastructure planning across renewable energy developments in the region.

Anthony Fowler, CEO of Tilt Renewables, said “The energy transition is more than just providing sovereign domestic energy to support our growing regions, it’s also about supporting the communities in those regions to thrive.”

“Isaac Regional Council has provided invaluable feedback on how renewable projects can benefit regional communities and how we can maximise those benefits,” Mr Fowler said.

“This collaboration reflects what communities have been asking for - a more coordinated, collective approach. By working together, we can deliver outcomes that are more meaningful and enduring for regional communities.”

Roadworks have already been undertaken along sections of the Marlborough Sarina Road, with additional works recently announced by the Queensland Government through the Department of Transport and Main Roads. The group will continue working with Isaac Regional Council and other stakeholders on future road priorities, including speed management signage and other improvements around Clarke Creek.

The group is also supporting workforce and supply chain development opportunities, following a Renewable Energy Supply Chain Forum held in Moranbah in March, which was attended by around 90 representatives from industry, business and the broader community.

Renewable energy companies involved in the collaboration will also participate in the Moranbah State High School Careers Expo on 30 July, helping students better understand future job, training and career pathways in the region.

Additional initiatives include continued discussions with Country Universities Centre Isaac around student support opportunities, support for a regional feral pig management program alongside the Invasive Species Council, improved coordination of community engagement activities across projects to reduce consultation fatigue, and progressing discussions around future solar and battery solutions for Clarke Creek State School.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Kelly Vea Vea said the collaboration reflected the importance of renewable energy companies working with communities early, transparently and in partnership.

“Social licence is built through practical action and genuine engagement with communities, not just consultation,” Mayor Vea Vea said.

“Our communities want to see tangible benefits alongside development, whether that is safer roads, better telecommunications, local business opportunities, support for schools or programs that strengthen regional resilience.”

“What is encouraging about this collaboration is that companies are working together with Council and local communities to focus on shared priorities and practical outcomes that will leave a lasting benefit for the Isaac region.”

The regional collaboration group said the initiatives reflected a shared commitment to practical outcomes, improving regional coordination and continuing to work with communities across the Isaac region.

ENDS