An article by QFF's Energy Engagement and Education Advisor. Learn more about the role here. 

Over recent months, I’ve had the opportunity to attend and contribute to a range of industry and community events focused on Queensland’s energy system – from the National Renewables in Ag Conference in Orange, to the Community Energy Forum in Inglewood and the Queensland Energy and Economic Summit in Brisbane.

Left to Right: Steph McKechnie (QFF), Cr Kym Skinner (Goondiwindi Regional Council), Warwick Squire (Coexistence Queensland), Cr Melissa Hamilton (Mayor, Southern Downs Regional Council), Katie-Anne Mulder (QREC), Cr Lawrence Springborg (Mayor, Goondiwindi Regional Council).

While these events bring together very different perspectives – including farmers, landholders, developers, government, local councils and industry – some consistent themes are emerging.

First, Queensland’s changing system is creating both opportunities and uncertainty for farmers and regional communities. There is genuine interest in opportunities to diversify farm income, reduce exposure to energy and fuel costs, improve energy efficiency and contribute to Queensland’s future energy supply. For many farmers, diversification is an important part of building a resilient business.

At the same time, farmers want to understand what development could mean for their land, business, neighbours and community over the long term. Questions around land use, agreements, infrastructure, decommissioning, community impacts and the cumulative effects of multiple projects are increasingly part of the conversation.

Second, trust matters. Across the events, there was strong recognition that engagement with landholders and communities needs to be genuine, timely and transparent. Communities want to understand the bigger picture – including the potential scale and timing of development – rather than receiving information about projects one piece at a time.

There was also a recognition that the energy sector needs to learn from the experiences of other industries and regions. Good coexistence doesn’t happen by accident. It requires relationships, communication and a willingness to understand the realities of the communities and businesses where development is occurring.

Third, coexistence needs to be practical. Agriculture remains the foundation of many regional Queensland communities. As new industries develop, we need to consider how food production, renewable energy, infrastructure and other land uses can work alongside one another while protecting productive agricultural land and supporting thriving regional communities.

Finally, there is a clear message that farmers need independent information early enough to make decisions. That is an important part of my role at QFF – listening to what farmers and landholders are experiencing, connecting those insights with government and industry, and helping translate a rapidly changing energy landscape into practical information for Queensland agriculture.

The new edition of the QFF Landholder Renewable Energy Toolkit is one way we’re helping farmers navigate these decisions. It provides practical, plain-English information to help landholders understand renewable energy proposals, agreements, financial considerations, land use and their rights and responsibilities.

Ultimately, farmers should be enabled to make informed decisions that are right for their business, their land and their family.

If you have questions about any of the topics mentioned throughout this article, or any other farm energy related topics, I encourage you to contact the Energy Information Service for Landholders, or EISL. Learn more here.

The EISL is a free phone service for farmers and landholders in Queensland and can assist by providing up to date and accurate information on a range of energy matters. The free phone service is available from Monday - Friday from 8:30am - 5:00pm. Call 07 3329 7500