Huge turnout at Biloela energy information forum

The Queensland Community Energy Forum in Biloela drew a strong crowd yesterday, with over 170 residents, landholders, Traditional Owners, industry representatives and government officials coming together for an open and constructive conversation about the region’s energy and resources future.

Hosted by Coexistence Queensland in partnership with the Banana Shire Council and Queensland Renewable Energy Council, the forum focused on practical and locally-relevant information, and highlighted the importance of landholder, neighbour and broader community engagement as part of project developments.

Cr Neville Ferrier, Mayor, Banana Shire Council said the strong turnout reflects the community’s desire for clarity and meaningful input.

“People in this region understand energy and resources – our community has powered Queensland for generations,” Cr Ferrier said.

“Today’s discussion shows how important it is that community have clear information, genuine opportunities to raise issues early and understand potential legacy benefits from development.”

Coexistence Queensland CEO Warwick Squire said that a strong focus on land access, cumulative impacts and local content were essential.

“Landholders want to understand not only what happens on their property, but what it means for the surrounding district,” Mr Squire said.

“These conversations help ensure the benefits and impacts of development are understood and managed appropriately.”

Queensland Renewable Energy Council CEO Katie-Anne Mulder added that open dialogue with landholders strengthens project design.

“Developers heard directly what this community expects – respectful engagement, transparency around project footprints and thoughtful approaches to neighbouring landholder impacts.”

Across the Forum, attendees discussed issues such as construction impacts, road and traffic management, emergency response planning, environmental safeguards, and long-term land use.

A dedicated expo allowed residents to discuss project proposals face-to-face with developers and government agencies.

The Biloela Forum was part of a statewide series following successful gatherings in the Western Downs, Maranoa, Isaac and Flinders regions, with the next set to occur in the Whitsunday region in early 2026.

For more information

www.qldenergyforum.org.au/biolela-24-nov-2025/
1300 548 021
engagement@cqld.org.au