Locals invited to Proserpine energy information forum
Residents, landholders and businesses across the Whitsunday region are invited to attend a free community energy and resources forum on 20 March.
The event offers community members the chance to ask questions, access clear information and engage directly with industry and government about current and future development.
The Queensland Community Energy Forum will bring together community members, energy and resource developers, agriculture representatives and government for a day of presentations, question-and-answer sessions and information booths.
Held at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, the forum aims to ensure the region is well informed, connected and at the centre of Queensland’s evolving energy future.
Cr Ry Collins, Mayor, Whitsunday Regional Council, emphasised the importance of putting local perspectives at the forefront of this conversation.
“Our region has a strong history as an energy and resources producer, while also supporting agriculture, tourism and a range of other industries,” Cr Collins said.
“As new projects are proposed, it’s critical our community has access to clear, practical information and a genuine opportunity to ask questions and raise local issues directly with industry and government.
“It’s about having locals at the heart of the conversation – understanding what challenges and opportunities development brings to them. It is also about ensuring future projects deliver real benefits for our people and our region.”
Warwick Squire, Chief Executive Officer, Coexistence Queensland, said the forum is designed to equip landholders and communities with the information they need to confidently engage with energy developers.
“When it comes to development, locals want clear information and straight answers,” Mr Squire said.
“This forum will bring everyone into the same room – landholders, industry, government and community.
“By listening to each other, we can reduce uncertainty, build trust and make meaningful decisions together.”
Forum participants will have the opportunity to engage directly with developers and representatives from transmission, resources, agriculture, government and community organisations, enabling practical, place-based discussions about development in the Whitsundays.
Katie-Anne Mulder, Chief Executive Officer, Queensland Renewable Energy Council, said the forum supports early, open and transparent engagement between industry and community.
“The forum is about two-way communication. Energy developers will be on the ground to listen and learn from the community, while also sharing clear information about what’s happening now and what may be proposed in the future,” Ms Mulder said.
“This gives communities have the chance to ask questions and share what matters to them.
“Early and honest engagement helps shape projects that reflect local priorities and deliver stronger outcomes for the region.”
Janette Hewson, Chief Executive Officer, Queensland Resources Council, said the resources sector had a long-standing connection to the Whitsundays region.
“Whitsundays families and businesses have supported our industry for generations,” Ms Hewson said.
“Communities always want to be informed and know what developments mean for their land, their livelihoods and their future.
“Forums like this are important in shaping how development happens, in unlocking new resource opportunities and seeing more investment going back into regional communities.”
The Proserpine event follows strong community participation across five forums held in the Western Downs, Isaac, Maranoa, Flinders and Callide Dawson regions since 2024.
The Queensland Community Energy Forum is a partnership between Coexistence Queensland, the Queensland Renewable Energy Council, Queensland Resources Council, Queensland Government, and Whitsunday Regional Council..
KEY FACTS
- Friday 20 March 2026
- Expo: 8:00am-3:00pm
- Presentations: 9:00am-2:30pm
- Light refreshments and lunch provided
- Free attendance
- Online registration preferred
- Proserpine Entertainment Centre – 14 Main Street, Proserpine QLD 4800
For more information:
W: www.qldenergyforum.org.au/proserpine-20-march-2026
P: 1300 548 021
E: engagement@cqld.org.au