Cubico and Western Downs Regional Council sign community benefit agreements worth up to $160 million
Cubico Sustainable Investments Australia and Western Downs Regional Council have signed Community Benefit Agreements for the proposed Middle Creek Energy Hub and Marmadua Energy Park, establishing a framework for substantial annual, long-term investment in Western Downs communities if the projects proceed.
Based on the projects’ proposed maximum capacities, the agreements could deliver annual community contributions of up to $2.34 million (indexed to CPI). This includes up to $1.485 million annually from Middle Creek and up to $855,000 annually from Marmadua.
Final contributions will be calculated using the approved capacity under the relevant connection agreements. Sponsorship and education contributions would begin following development approval, while council and community infrastructure contributions would commence when construction begins.
The funding priorities have been informed by the Social Impact Assessments carried out for both projects. The assessments included community input and consideration of local and regional priorities, with the findings helping to shape potential investments in areas including water and wastewater infrastructure, local roads, housing, health services, telecommunications, community services, education, scholarships and grassroots community initiatives.
David Smith, Country Head – Australia, Cubico Sustainable Investments, said the agreements reflected Cubico’s commitment to ensuring communities share in the benefits of renewable energy development.
“These agreements with the Western Downs Regional Council are about creating lasting value for the Western Downs and ensuring the benefits associated with these projects are shared with local communities.
“The Social Impact Assessments for Middle Creek and Marmadua included community input and consideration of local and regional priorities. Those findings have helped shape the priorities reflected in the agreements.
“We thank everyone who contributed their ideas, perspectives and local knowledge. Their input has helped shape how future funding can deliver practical and lasting benefits for the region.”
Western Downs Regional Council Mayor, Cr Andrew Smith, said that the agreements provide a clear and flexible framework for long-term community investment.
“The Western Downs is the Energy Capital of Queensland, so it’s important that when energy developments are proposed in our region, our communities share in the benefits they help create.”
“These Community Benefit Agreements represent a commitment to supporting the infrastructure, services and local initiatives that help make our communities strong, vibrant and liveable.”
“We know that the best outcomes happen when industry, Council and community work side-by-side, and these agreements demonstrate what’s possible when that approach is put into practice.”
Middle Creek Energy Hub
The proposed Middle Creek Energy Hub is located approximately 10 kilometres east of Wandoan and comprises up to 181 wind turbines, with a generation capacity of up to 1,300 MW, and an associated 200 MW battery energy storage system with four hours of storage.
Its agreement provides for potential annual community benefits of up to $1.485 million, indexed to CPI. Agreed funding priorities include the Wandoan STP Effluent Irrigation Scheme, housing diversity and affordable housing, local GP and visiting specialist services, aged care and community transport, childcare, sponsorships, scholarships and educational support.
Marmadua Energy Park
The proposed Marmadua Energy Park is located approximately 23 kilometres east of Tara and 41 kilometres south-west of Dalby. It comprises up to 100 wind turbines, with a generation capacity of up to 700 MW, and an associated 200 MW battery energy storage system with four hours of storage.
Its agreement provides for potential annual community benefits of up to $855,000, indexed to CPI. Agreed funding priorities include Tara water infrastructure, local road improvements, Lions Park, housing, telecommunications, community transport and services, health access, training and career pathways, sponsorships, scholarships and educational support.
Both agreements would be formally reviewed every three years to help ensure that funding priorities continue to reflect evolving community needs.
Signing the agreements does not constitute approval of either project. Both projects remain subject to applicable planning, assessment and other approvals.
For further information about the Community Benefit Agreement and funding contributions, you can visit the Community Benefits page.