Queensland has introduced new planning rules to give communities a stronger voice in battery energy storage system (BESS) developments. Large projects of 50MW or more will now undergo social impact assessments and agree on community benefits with local councils before applying for approval.
The Planning (Battery Storage Facilities) and Other Legislation Amendment Regulation 2025 ensures consistent assessment for BESS projects across the state. All large standalone projects are now impact assessable, requiring public consultation and clear evaluation of safety, noise, bushfire risk, and agricultural impacts.
The State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) will manage all large BESS project applications. A new State Code 27 provides specific benchmarks for assessment. Small-scale battery projects under 50MW will continue under existing local council rules.
The changes align BESS development with existing planning frameworks for wind and solar projects. Councils can now play a greater role in decision-making and negotiating community benefits. Existing applications over 50MW must complete a Social Impact Assessment and a Community Benefit Agreement before SARA assessment.
The reforms take effect on Friday, 12 December 2025. The measures aim to ensure fair, transparent, and consistent planning for renewable energy projects while empowering local communities.