An innovative new engagement initiative spearheaded by a partnership between the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) and Powerlink has reached a 12-month milestone of supporting landholders navigate the energy transition.
The initiative created an Energy Engagement and Education Advisor (EEEA), for QFF, to build more informed linkages between QFF’s peak body members and the energy sector. The role provides insights and a two-way flow of information to ensure the perspectives of landholders are understood and their voices are heard.
“The EEEA role is an important role for the agriculture sector and the energy sector, driving meaningful engagement between the two sectors. If we are to effectively leverage the opportunities and mitigate the risks, it is critical that both agriculture and energy are at the table together.” QFF CEO Jo Sheppard said.
“A key focus of the role is staying across the risks and opportunities posed by the energy transition and ensuring our peak body members have up to date information so that farmers across Queensland can be supported to make informed decisions.
“Ensuring landholders, farmers and regional communities have a strong voice and are heard as Queensland’s energy conversation continues is critical.
“QFF appreciates this practical partnership with Powerlink and the tangible difference it is making. I congratulate QFF’s Stephanie McKechnie for the excellent job she is doing in the role and thank Powerlink for their ongoing commitment to engaging with QFF and our peak body members.”
Powerlink General Manager Communications, Customer & Engagement Gerard Reilly said the role was vital in ensuring that farmers and landholders had the right information to guide their decisions.
“The role is a first in Australia, providing a connection between the energy and agriculture sectors,” he said.
“We look forward to continuing our work with QFF and its members to ensure effective engagement with Queensland communities on energy infrastructure.”
This initiative has helped build an important information and engagement bridge between Queensland’s energy sector and QFF’s peak body members and 13,000 primary producers they collectively represent across Queensland.
As the initiative moves into its second year, the focus will remain on ensuring agriculture and energy are at the table together to work through the opportunities and the challenges.
In the past twelve months, the initiative has made significant headway in supporting QFF peak body members and the agriculture sector to keep abreast of the growing renewable energy industry, the opportunities and the challenges including:
- Engaging with the QFF membership to understand their concerns around renewable energy and ensure this is highlighted in formal submissions and policy development discussions
- Participating in more than 85 stakeholder meetings to introduce the role and forge strategic relationships to drive meaningful two-way information flow.
- The establishment of a governance committee to bring key stakeholders to the table and guide the direction of the initiative, elevating key issues, and accelerating collaboration.
- Delivering detailed submissions on critical government policy, including the Draft Renewables Regulatory Framework, planning system reforms, and a proposed State Code for solar farm development.
- Undertaking regional analysis to understand how energy projects intersect with agriculture.
- Participating at community renewable energy forums in Miles, Nebo, Roma and Hughenden to ensure landholders are aware of available supports to make informed decisions about renewable energy on their land.
- Maintaining regular dialogue with government agencies and energy proponents to ensure Queensland farmers’ needs and priorities are clearly understood.