The Queensland Government is delivering on its commitments to amend laws applicable to renewable energy development by introducing a community benefit framework and making wind farms and large-scale solar farms impact assessable.

We want to hear from you

Queenslanders are encouraged to have their say regarding changes proposed to the Queensland planning framework. Your feedback will inform the proposed changes to ensure that processes applicable to renewable energy development are efficient, effective, transparent, integrated, coordinated and accountable.

Key changes to the planning framework are described below.

Social impact assessment (SIA)

Proponents of wind farms and large-scale solar farms will be required to undertake social impact assessment, evaluating how a project will affect the local community. This includes consideration of workforce management, housing and accommodation, local business and industry procurement, as well as health and community wellbeing and will involve community and stakeholder engagement requirements.

Community benefit agreement (CBA)

Proponents will be required to enter into an agreement with local government that contains measures and commitments to manage and counterbalance social impacts, as well as enhance community outcomes for a positive legacy.

Third-party appeal rights

Community members and stakeholders who make properly made submissions during the public notification process will have the right to appeal the final decision, ensuring greater transparency and accountability.

Development Assessment (DA) Rules

Amendments to the DA Rules propose new alternative public notice requirements for prescribed development requiring social impact assessment to ensure contemporary and practical ways to ensure community awareness, given the large scale of the development sites.

Primarily the changes acknowledge that a public notification sign to be placed on the frontage of a site of a large wind or solar farm development over many hectares is not practical or helpful.

More information about the key changes can be found on Renewable energy.

Planning (Social Impact and Community Benefit) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025

The Planning (Social Impact and Community Benefit) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 (The Bill) proposing to establish the community benefit system under the Planning Act 2016 (Planning Act) was introduced to Parliament on 1 May 2025.

The content of the Bill will be consulted through the Queensland Government Parliamentary Committee process.

Consultation material

The following documents and information provide context and information about how the proposed changes will be implemented and operationalised.

How to have your say

Proposed Development Assessment (DA) Rules

We are seeking feedback from industry stakeholders, local government, the community and other interested parties on the proposed changes to the Draft Development Assessment (DA) rules.

Feedback on the draft DA rules can be provided from Tuesday 6 May to Tuesday 3 June 2025 using one of the following submission pathways.

Lodge your submission

You may lodge your submission by the below pathways.

  • Provide your feedback in the form below
  • Email: Electronic submissions may be made provided they include the full name and email address (or other address) of the submitter and online at renewablesplanning@dsdilgp.qld.gov.au.
  • Post:
    Renewable energy
    Planning Group
    Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning
    GPO Box 690
    BRISBANE QLD 4001


Submission requirements

The Bill

Submissions regarding The Bill must be made via the Parliamentary Committee.

Development Assessment Rules

Submissions in relation to the Development Assessment Rules must be a properly made submission under the Planning Act to be accepted.

A properly made submission must:

  • be made to the Minister
  • be received on or before Tuesday 3 June 2025
  • be signed by each person who made the submission, if provided in hard copy
  • state the name and residential or business address of each person who made the submission
  • state the grounds of the submission and the facts and circumstances relied on in support of the grounds.

General submissions

General submissions can be simply made to the form below or in writing to the email address or postal address above.