Energy
To help the agriculture sector manage rising costs of energy and stay competitive internationally, Queensland needs a more productive energy system that supports producers, consumers and networks.
On-farm efficiency, renewable energy adoption and grid modernisation present opportunities to improve productivity, affordability and reliability, while enabling farms to secure and utilise energy locally.
QFF calls on the Queensland Government to work closely with the agricultural sector to implement a modern, affordable and efficient energy system that meets farmers’ needs today and into the future, as industry evolves, leads the way for energy and climate resilience, and strives to maintain global competitiveness.
QFF develops energy policy through our Water and Energy Policy Committee (WEPC). The purpose of WEPC is to ensure Queensland’s agriculture sector is aware of current and future matters (including policy and regulation) pertaining to water and energy and can operate sustainably going forward.
Our areas of focus
Enhancing on-farm energy infrastructure and innovation
Our focus is to:
- secure funded programs for on-farm batteries to support farm businesses during the reduced payback period and ensure their financial viability
- advocate for funding for smart metering, switchboard upgrades, data utilisation and stronger data security.
Driving affordability and energy literacy
Our focus is to:
- ensure regional electricity tariff prices are set at efficient levels to support affordability across Queensland’s energy system
- deliver initiatives that improve energy literacy on farms, including consumer education programs, energy audits and energy efficiency measures.
Improving regional energy news and retail opportunities
Our focus is to:
- advocate for the abolition of the non-reversion policy for all customers, allowing large customers to return to Ergon Retail after switching to another energy retailer
- encourage the government to strengthen data security and transparency in regional energy markets by requiring the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) and Ergon Energy to publish annual Community Service Obligation (CSO) payment figures.
Helping farmers make informed decisions
Our focus is to:
- develop and promote resources and services to support farmers to optimise on-farm energy efficiency
- assist farmers to make informed decisions when approached by renewable energy developers.
Our energy projects
Our energy submissions
Our energy team
Dr Alicia Kennedy is QFF’s General Manager for Water and Energy, leading strategic initiatives that enhance the affordability, security and sustainability of water and energy for Queensland agriculture.
With more than 20 years’ professional experience, Alicia has worked across land and water research, government policy, community engagement, industry leadership and advocacy. She is passionate about collaborating with industries, research organisations, governments and communities to identify practical, evidence-based solutions to complex challenges.
Alicia oversees QFF’s member services and industry representation across both water and energy portfolios, engaging with state and national stakeholders to address system inefficiencies, support innovation, and drive improved outcomes for farmers and rural communities.
Andrew Chamberlin is QFF’s Project Manager for Energy, overseeing the federation’s energy project portfolio and delivering initiatives that support Queensland farmers to improve efficiency, sustainability and resilience.
With a background in environmental science and town planning, Andrew brings extensive experience across sustainability, property, and agriculture. Over the past decade, he has managed numerous strategic energy projects in collaboration with QFF’s member organisations, the Queensland Government, Ergon Energy and other industry partners.
Andrew has coordinated more than 400 on-farm energy audits, developed case studies and resources for the Queensland Ag Energy Hub, and served as project manager and lead author of the Queensland Renewable Energy Landholder Toolkit. His work also includes pioneering projects such as the QLD-NSW virtual microgrid pilot, tariff attitude surveys, and agtech trials focused on real-time metering and energy innovation.
Driven by a passion for sustainability and community, Andrew helps ensure Queensland agriculture remains at the forefront of Australia’s energy transition.
Stephanie McKechnie is QFF’s Energy Engagement and Education Advisor, working with state and national peak agricultural bodies, the energy sector and government to support policy and project development relating to Queensland’s renewable energy transition.
Supported by Powerlink, Stephanie’s role provides a vital connection between the energy sector and QFF’s 18 peak body members, representing more than 13,000 primary producers across the state. She works closely with members to identify and leverage opportunities arising from renewable energy, while helping to mitigate risks and ensure positive outcomes for agriculture and regional communities.
With extensive experience across leadership, project design and delivery, change management, corporate communications and strategic planning, Stephanie brings a people-focused, solutions-driven approach to her work. She holds a Bachelor of Business (Marketing and Public Relations) from QUT, Prosci Certification in Change Management, and qualifications in Implementing Innovation and Continuous Improvement from the Australian Institute of Management.
Contact
Email: Stephanie McKechnie • Phone: 07 3837 4739
Jonathan Mendez Gonzalez is QFF’s Energy Project Engineer, specialising in energy efficiency, sustainability and decarbonisation across Queensland agriculture.
A Mechanical Engineer with a Master’s in Sustainable Energy, Jonathan brings more than a decade of experience across the energy sector, including oil and gas, solar PV, biogas and hydrogen technologies. He combines strong technical expertise with practical on-farm implementation, ensuring energy projects deliver measurable results for producers and communities.
Since joining QFF, Jonathan has led the delivery of on-farm energy and water efficiency initiatives, partnering with utilities, industry and farmers to identify savings, improve reliability and support the energy transition. His work has helped Queensland farms achieve significant cost and emissions reductions while building resilience to future energy challenges.
Jonathan holds Green Belt Six Sigma certification and is a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ). He continues to play a key role in advancing QFF’s energy and sustainability programs.