We are committed to continuing to work collaboratively with the local community and their representatives to understand and address key concerns so we can develop a project that delivers long-term benefits. Together with relevant experts, we are shaping a project that prioritises safety, contributes to the region’s energy future and creates economic opportunities for local people and businesses.
In October 2025, the Planning and Environment Court approved the development application for the project with 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
The Central BESS project will deliver $3.6 million in benefit sharing funds to neighbours of the project, the local community, and First Nations groups. Through support for grassroots initiatives, scholarships, education programs, and enduring partnerships with local organisations, the project will drive meaningful and lasting outcomes in the region. These contributions are designed to foster long-term social, cultural and economic benefits that reflect community priorities, and we will work with the local community to develop the benefit sharing program.
Neighbour Benefit Program
We’re offering direct benefits to those living closest to our project. This includes a one-off payment on constructions start, and ongoing annual payments to acknowledge their proximity to the Project and foster long-term goodwill.
Eligible residents include those living on Childs Avenue or within 1km of the Project site.
If you would like to participate in the Program, please contact us directly. The Program will start when construction begins, currently anticipated in Q4 2026. We’ll inform all eligible residents closer to the date.
Thank you for joining us in Bouldercombe
A big thank you to everyone who came along to our sessions in Bouldercombe in November. It was great to see some of you again, meet you for the first time, hear your ideas for the benefit sharing program and Community Reference Group, and discuss the project.
Join the Community Reference Group (CRG)
We’re looking for passionate locals to help shape a Community Benefit Fund that supports meaningful and impactful initiatives. As a CRG member, you’ll play a key role in guiding priorities and ensuring the Fund delivers real impact.
We’re pleased to share that Rockhampton Regional Council will be involved in the Central BESS Community Reference Group (CRG), with Councillor Oram appointed as Chairperson.
This is an important step in ensuring the Community Benefit Fund is guided by local perspectives and aligned with community priorities.
We are aiming to establish the CRG by mid-2026, with the Community Benefit Fund expected to begin supporting initiatives from the start of construction (anticipated late 2026).
We are currently finalising the CRG Expression of Interest (EOI) and Terms of Reference (ToR). We have received valuable feedback from community representatives and Rockhampton Regional Council, and we thank everyone who has taken the time to provide feedback. This input has helped us refine the process to ensure it is clear, fair and transparent.
We expect to open applications soon. Once finalised, the EOI and ToR will be shared through local community channels and made available on this webpage.
Please stay tuned for further updates.
Ongoing Community Engagement Activities
Thank you to everyone who has engaged with us to date. It has been great to see some of you again or meet you for the first time. We are committed to ongoing, proactive engagement and maintaining an open and accessible presence in Bouldercombe and the Rockhampton region.
Keeping in touch
Get in touch with our team at info@thecentralbess.com.au, If you would like more information or to let us know if you have any questions. We’d love to connect with you.
