Community
We are committed to developing the Belah BESS in a way that is inclusive, open and beneficial to the local and broader community. Renewable energy projects are long term projects that can take years to develop and once built, operate for 20 years or more – we are committed to being a good neighbour and providing opportunities to share project benefits among the community.
Community consultation
We’ve been pleased to meet so many of the community in the Crossroads and Chinchilla region over the past year. Come meet us on the first Tuesday of every month in Chinchilla and Miles to discuss the project with one of the project team. See our home page for the latest times and locations.
In-person meetings
We are always happy to meet with neighbours, community groups and local stakeholders at their conveinance and in person - if you would like to discuss the project further, please feel free to get in touch - contact details are at the bottom of this page.
Project Benefits
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Community Benefit Agreement
Belah BESS is committed to being a good, long-term neighbour and will be providing ongoing annual funding to local infrastructure upgrades and community initiatives as agreed in a formal Community Benefit Agreement.
We recognise that a BESS development should bring benefits to the wider community and that’s why we will be establishing a community benefits fund to ensure that the wider community are able to benefit.
Thank you to everyone so far who has taken the time to input into our Social Impact Assessment (SIA). For those who are yet to provide input, we want to hear from you about what’s important in your community and how project community funding can achieve maximum benefits.
A Community Benefit Agreement (CBA) is currently being prepared with Western Downs Regional Council. The CBA will formalise the provision of annual project funding to local infrastructure upgrades, community initiatives and not-for-profit grants. This funding will be provided every year for the life of the project. How the funding will be distributed in the community is influenced directly by the community and stakeholder feedback provided in the SIA.
We are seeking representations from local community members to help shape and define the fund to ensure that it is established in the best interests of the community.
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Other Benefits
Other benefits of the project will include local job opportunities (both during construction and operation) and investment in local businesses and contractors (such as fuel supply, vehicle servicing, uniform suppliers, hotels/motels, B&B’s, cafés, pubs, catering and cleaning companies, tradespersons, tool and equipment suppliers and many other businesses). If your business is interested in supporting the project, please contact us.