Queensland has implemented stricter planning rules for large-scale solar and wind projects in 2025 [2, 8]. Renewable energy developers now need to demonstrate long-term community benefits to secure a social license before applying for development [2, 8, 13]. These changes aim to give regional communities a greater say in renewable energy development [2, 8].
The new rules, unveiled by the Liberal National Party (LNP) government, require developers to enter into binding agreements with local governments [2]. These agreements will outline the social impacts and community benefits of proposed projects [2, 8, 13]. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie stated that these changes ensure a level playing field with rigorous requirements, including community consultation [2, 8].
Under the new framework, major solar farms are now subject to impact assessment and public notification, aligning them with the same approval processes as other major developments [8, 11, 13]. The Queensland government will act as the statewide assessment manager for solar farms [8, 13]. This builds upon earlier reforms that made wind farms impact assessable [8].