A new package of practical measures will support Isaac communities through better telecommunications, safer roads, stronger local job pathways, help for farmers and future energy solutions for local schools.
This work has been developed over the past 12 months through a regional collaboration group involving Squadron Energy, CS Energy, Iberdrola Australia and Tilt Renewables, in partnership with Isaac Regional Council and local communities. The group is also committed to improved coordination of community engagement activities across projects to reduce consultation fatigue.
The package includes:
- a $750,000 commitment from Squadron Energy, Iberdrola Australia and CS Energy to upgrade the existing Telstra telecommunications tower at Broadsound
- workforce and supply chain development support with around 90 representatives from industry, business and the broader community attending a Renewable Energy Supply Chain Forum in Moranbah in March
- Moranbah State High School Careers Expo to be held on 30 July, helping students better understand future job, training and career opportunities in the region
- improving road infrastructure with roadworks Marlborough Sarina Road already completed and further works recently announced by the Queensland Government
- discussions with Country Universities Centre Isaac on student support opportunities
- support for a regional feral pig management program
- discussions on future solar and battery solutions for Clarke Creek State School.
Squadron Energy Head of Community and Regional Development Jessica Kite said working with Isaac Regional Council and the collaboration group is about making sure the clean energy future delivers real, lasting benefits for locals, from more business opportunities through our supplier forum to stronger pathways into education and work through scholarship programs.
“The Clarke Creek telecommunications tower upgrade is legacy infrastructure that matters, providing more reliable coverage that improves safety and access to services for households and businesses,” Ms Kite said.
“We heard from farmers that feral pigs are a major issue, together with Council and Iberdrola we can deliver a coordinated control program that helps strengthen regional resilience.”
Isaac Regional Council Mayor Kelly Vea Vea said the collaboration reflected the importance of renewable energy companies working with communities early, transparently and in partnership.
“Social licence is built through practical action and genuine engagement with communities, not just consultation,” Mayor Vea Vea said.
“Our communities want to see tangible benefits alongside development, whether that is safer roads, better telecommunications, local business opportunities, support for schools or programs that strengthen regional resilience.
“What is encouraging about this collaboration is that companies are working together with Council and local communities to focus on shared priorities and practical outcomes that will leave a lasting benefit for the Isaac region.”