Toowoomba and Western Downs Regional Councils have finalised a landmark Community Benefit Agreement (CBA) with renewable energy developer, RWE Renewables Australia, for the proposed Cattle Creek Wind Farm near Millmerran.
Toowoomba Regional Council CEO, Sal Petroccitto OAM said the agreement demonstrated the value of strong regional partnerships.
“Renewable energy projects don’t recognise council boundaries, and neither should our commitment to delivering positive outcomes for the communities they affect,” Mr Petroccitto said.
“This collaboration demonstrates what can be achieved when neighbouring councils work together with a shared focus on ensuring communities remain at the centre of decision-making.”
“While each council retains responsibility for representing its own communities, there is enormous value in sharing knowledge and working collaboratively where projects and impacts extend across local government boundaries.”
He said the agreement establishes a framework linking community priorities to project delivery, supported by clear governance, accountability and long-term monitoring.
A key feature of the agreement has been ongoing engagement with local communities, supported by Toowoomba Regional Council’s Community Benefit Liaison Groups and extensive consultation undertaken by both councils.
Mr Petroccitto said the collaborative approach had strengthened both the process and the final outcome.
“This agreement reflects a genuine partnership between local government, industry and our communities.”
“By sharing knowledge and working collaboratively, we’ve delivered an agreement that is practical, transparent and responsive to community expectations,” he said.
Western Downs Regional Council Chief Executive Officer, Jodie Taylor said the Cattle Creek Wind Farm Community Benefit Agreement reflects the collaborative approach that has become a hallmark of community-focussed development in the Western Downs.
“We’ve learnt through experience that the best outcomes happen when communities, councils and industry work together,” Mrs Taylor said.
“That’s the philosophy that has underpinned Western Downs Regional Council’s approach to Community Benefit Agreements and helped establish our region as a leader in this space.
“The value of being a good neighbour is something our communities understand well. It’s one of the reasons we’ve been able to balance growth, investment and community wellbeing, and that principle extends beyond local government boundaries.
“Regional communities are connected, and increasingly the projects shaping Queensland’s energy future are too.”
RWE Chief Executive Officer, Daniel Belton said his organisation was proud to have worked alongside TRC and WDRC to develop a Community Benefit Agreement that reflects a long-term commitment to the communities where the proposed wind farm project will be based.
“Supporting local communities is central to how we do business. This agreement formalises our collaborative approach to creating lasting opportunities, strengthening local capacity, and delivering meaningful, long-term benefits,” Mr Belton said.
Both councils acknowledged the constructive approach taken by RWE throughout negotiations and thanked community representatives, Council officers and advisers for their contribution to the successful outcome.
