The Planning and Environment Court has approved ACEnergy’s amended development application for the 500 MW Central Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) near Bouldercombe, Queensland. This decision marks an important milestone in delivering more affordable and reliable power for Queenslanders.

“We acknowledge that this project has generated significant community interest and we deeply respect the diverse views that have been shared”, a spokesperson for ACEnergy said. “This approval comes with strong conditions that reflect community feedback and ensure the highest standards of safety, environmental care, and visual integration.”

Key community-focused commitments include:

• Bushfire safety: A dedicated 576,000-litre firefighting water tank, internal fire breaks, and perimeter fire trails designed for emergency access will be in place before operations begin.
• Emergency preparedness: We will work closely with the Queensland Fire Department and local fire authorities to develop and implement comprehensive emergency and fire safety plans.
• Visual integration: All battery containers will be finished in muted green tones and non-reflective materials to blend with the natural surroundings.
• Vegetation buffering: A wider and more varied vegetation buffer will be planted around the site to improve screening and support local biodiversity.
• Site rehabilitation: At the end of its operational life, the site will be fully decommissioned and rehabilitated to approved standards.

Creating shared value through a $3.6 million benefit sharing program

ACEnergy will also deliver benefit sharing funds over the project lifecycle to neighbours of the project, the local community, and First Nations groups. These funds will support:

• Direct payments to neighbours of the project
• A Community Benefit Fund for initiatives that reflect local priorities
• A partnership agreement with First Nations groups, developed through respectful engagement.

ACEnergy will establish a Community Reference Group to help shape the Community Fund – an integral part of the project’s benefit sharing program. This group will ensure the fund reflects the values, proprieties and aspirations of the local community. We invite interested community members to express their interest in joining the group and contribute to this important initiative. Community information sessions will be held in late 2025 to provide further details and opportunities to get involved.

“We’re incredibly excited to see how the Central BESS Community Benefit Fund will bring local ideas and partnerships to life,” said an ACEnergy spokesperson. “This is about more than just delivering clean energy, it’s about creating opportunities that communities can shape and lead, with benefits that last for generations.”

The project will also boost the regional economy, driving local procurement and supply chain opportunities, and creating construction and operational jobs that support local livelihoods throughout its lifecycle.

The Central BESS received development approval from the Planning and Environment Court in October 2025. The project has received 5.3.4A approval of access standards from Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) in May 2025 and is currently working with Powerlink to finalise a connection offer. Construction of the project is anticipated to commence in mid-2026.