Landmark agreement with Western Downs Regional Council supporting housing, skills and local infrastructure over 35 years

Goombi Energy Holdings – a partnership between LP Renewable Projects and TagEnergy – and Western Downs Regional Council today announced the signing of a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) linked to the development of the Goombi Wind Farm between the towns of Chinchilla and Miles in Queensland’s Western Downs region.

The agreement represents a shared commitment of $30 million over 35 years to ensure the economic and social benefits of the renewable energy project directly support and strengthen local communities, and is the first Community Benefit Agreement established in Queensland for a large-scale wind farm under the state’s new renewable energy planning framework.

Under the agreement, Goombi Energy Holdings will deliver a structured program of community investment focused on long-term regional priorities including housing, skills development and local infrastructure improvements. This will provide consistent and reliable funding for local communities over the life of the project.

LP Renewable Projects (LPRP) Director, Llion Parry, said the agreement highlights the positive impacts renewable energy projects can deliver for regional communities.

“We are proud to be developing the Goombi Wind Farm and are delighted to see the enormous benefits renewable energy projects can have for regional communities. Directly investing $30 million into initiatives that have been identified by the local community demonstrates the hugely positive impacts that renewable energy projects can provide,” Mr Parry said.

“I’d like to thank Western Downs Regional Council for working with us to navigate through this new and evolving regulatory landscape” he said.

TagEnergy Managing Partner – Australia, Andrew Riggs, said the Goombi Wind Farm represents a significant new investment in Queensland’s renewable energy capacity.

“At TagEnergy we believe renewable energy projects should create real and enduring value for regional communities,” Mr Riggs said.

“The Goombi Wind Farm will contribute significant new renewable energy capacity to Queensland’s electricity network while supporting long-term investment and opportunities for the Western Downs,” he said.

Western Downs Regional Council Mayor, Cr Andrew Smith, said the agreement reflects the region’s important role in Australia’s evolving energy system.

“This agreement represents a meaningful commitment to the Western Downs and the communities that host energy infrastructure,” Cr Smith said.

“It will provide long-term support for local initiatives while helping ensure the region continues to play a leading role in Queensland’s energy future.”

The Goombi Wind Farm is expected to comprise up to 107 wind turbines with a capacity of up to 800MW, enough to generate clean energy to power approximately 400,000 Queensland homes and businesses each year.

The project is expected to support around 300 jobs at peak during a 30-to-36-month construction period, spanning roles including civil works, electrical trades, crane operators, truck drivers and safety officers, before creating around 10 to 12 ongoing operational roles once the wind farm is complete.

In addition to the wind farm, a large battery energy storage system (BESS) is also under development and will provide additional energy security and stability for the Western Downs region and Queensland’s electricity network.

The Community Benefits Agreement is a model for future partnerships that align renewable energy investment with regional growth and community wellbeing.