By Natalie Lonergan, Partner and Ebony Reckless, Associate

On 1 May 2025, the Queensland Government introduced the Planning (Social Impact and Community Benefit) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 (the Planning Bill), expanding on the Planning (Wind Farms) Amendment Regulation 2025, in effect since February 2025.

These legislative changes signal a move away from fast-tracked renewable approvals to a more community-informed, accountable planning framework. While compliance obligations are increasing, developers stand to benefit from clearer rules, reduced social risk, and stronger community licence to operate.

Key Legislative Changes

The Planning Bill proposes updates to the Planning Act 2016 (QLD), introducing a Community Benefit System applicable to large-scale renewable energy developments.

While the legislation does not explicitly mention green hydrogen projects, it signals a broader policy shift towards increased scrutiny and community engagement in renewable energy developments.

Given this trend (and the recent withdrawal from the CQ-H2 Project), developers of green hydrogen projects should anticipate potential future regulatory changes that may extend similar requirements to their projects

If a project triggers a Social Impact Assessment (SIA), the development application must include:

• a Social Impact Assessment Report; and
• Community Benefit Agreements (CBAs) with affected local government areas (LGAs),

unless a waiver is granted by the chief executive.

What is “Social Impact”?

The Planning Bill defines social impact as any potential effect—positive or negative, direct or indirect—on the community’s:

• physical or mental wellbeing;
• livelihoods;
• local values; and
• access to essential services (e.g. health, education, emergency response, housing).

This definition is intentionally broad, covering cumulative and long-term effects, even those that emerge during project construction or operation.

What Projects Require an SIA?

The Planning Bill enables future regulations to prescribe which developments require a social impact assessment. It is expected that large-scale energy projects with regional or multi-council effects will be included.

What Is a Community Benefit Agreement?

A CBA outlines how a developer will support local communities, such as:

• providing or funding infrastructure (e.g. training centres, sports facilities)
• making financial contributions (e.g. into community development funds)

CBAs must be signed with:

• the LGA where the project is located; and
• any adjacent LGA identified in the SIA as impacted

Note: A CBA is not considered an infrastructure agreement, even if it involves infrastructure works.

These reforms reflect Queensland’s broader shift toward socially sustainable energy development with long-term implications for approval timelines, stakeholder engagement, and project design.

Developer Takeaways

• Engage early – Stakeholder relationships and consultation will influence project viability.
• Plan for social investment – Budgeting for meaningful community benefits will become standard.
• Expect new triggers – Future regulations may broaden what qualifies as SIA-relevant development.