Flinders Shire Council has taken part in the Central Western Queensland Remote Area Planning and Development Board (RAPAD) Energy and Economic Forum, held in Barcaldine in late September week.
The event attracted a full house of stakeholders from across Queensland, all united by a shared vision for the future of energy and economic development in the region.
A key highlight of the forum was the invaluable insights shared from RAPAD’s recent visit to Sweetwater County, Texas, where attendees learned first-hand about innovative energy practices and successful community engagement strategies.
Acting Flinders Shire Mayor Niki Flute said the Shire was particularly enthusiastic about RAPAD’s pioneering ‘Community Benefits Royalty Agreement’ (CBRA).
This proposed initiative represents a unique opportunity for our community to secure direct financial benefits from the development of nationally important energy infrastructure, potentially providing a stable income source for decades to come.
The ambitious plan involves constructing a 930km powerline that will stretch from Hughenden through Barcaldine to Biloela.
This project will open vast areas for solar and wind energy developments while addressing environmental concerns, ensuring sustainable growth for our region.
The councils within the RAPAD region, including Barcaldine, Barcoo, Blackall, and others, are set to establish a revolutionary royalty arrangement with power companies.
This agreement will ensure that funds are directed to community projects, enhancing local amenities such as libraries, recreational facilities, and more.
Longreach Mayor Tony Rayner emphasised that the CBRA is an Australian-first initiative that aligns the interests of local communities with energy infrastructure investors, paving the way for a prosperous and sustainable future.
“Flinders Shire Council is committed to engaging with our constituents and will be hosting a forum soon to discuss the CBRA scheme in detail,” said Acting Mayor Flute said.
“We encourage all community members to participate and support this exciting opportunity for our region.”
