The Western Downs is a 21st century economic powerhouse. Our region has long been built on the economic pillars of agriculture and intensive agriculture now along with powering more than two million homes and businesses every day through a mix of traditional and renewable energy to further strengthen our diverse economy.
The area has experienced significant economic growth over the past decade. The Western Downs Development Status Report (2026)(PDF, 1MB) lists over $37 billion in major projects in the pipeline, and with new projects being announced, the pipeline continues to expand.
This Development Status Report demonstrates the scale of activity underway across the Western Downs and the confidence that industry, investors and businesses have in the opportunities the region presents. With billions of dollars in projects proposed, approved or underway across the region, the report provides a snapshot of the investment helping shape the Western Downs today and into the future.
Driven by a diverse, thriving economy, the Western Downs plays a critical role in producing the food, energy and resources that underpin Queensland’s and Australia’s prosperity. The resilience and strength of our region stem from a broad mix of industries working together to create opportunity and sustained growth.
That strength is reflected in the region’s emergence as a true 21st century economic powerhouse. Nearly half of the nation’s feedlot capacity is located within 200 kilometres of the Dalby Regional Saleyards, reinforcing the region’s position at the heart of Australia’s beef industry.
As The Energy Capital of Queensland, the Western Downs is also powering more than two million homes and businesses every day through a mix of traditional and renewable energy generation, with continued investment helping drive the state’s future energy landscape. Council remains focussed on ensuring the region is ready to seize the opportunities ahead. We take an active approach to development and investment attraction, supported by an agile and responsive planning framework designed to accommodate long-term population and economic growth.
Council remains focussed on ensuring the region is ready to seize the opportunities ahead. We take an active approach to development and investment attraction, supported by an agile and responsive planning framework designed to accommodate long-term population and economic growth.
Beyond its economic strengths, the Western Downs offers the advantages of regional living combined with first-rate services, facilities and connectivity. Situated within easy reach of Brisbane and Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport, the region continues to attract new residents and businesses seeking both opportunity and lifestyle. The Western Downs offers the space, confidence and room to grow.
While we are proud of what has been achieved, we are equally excited about what lies ahead.
The Western Downs is a region of ambition, opportunity and growth. Whether measured in investment, innovation or industry, the region’s momentum is undeniable. The future of the Western Downs has never been brighter.
We're all about being great neighbours
Council has taken a proactive approach to build a strong partnering culture with the launch of the Communities Partnering Framework in 2024, setting a clear expectation that future developments in our region support strong economic, social and environmental outcomes by partnering with our communities and Council.
In July 2025, Council adopted an updated version of the Communities Partnering Framework including an appendix on housing and accommodation, clarifying workforce accommodation strategy criteria for projects located near a town with a rental vacancy rate below 2 per cent.
The Communities Partnering Framework sets our expectations for private sector companies and corporations operating in our region. The principles of Council's Communities Partnering Framework include:
- Core Expectations - Adhere to all legislative and regulatory requirements from all levels of government
- Trusted Partnerships - Actively build, foster and maintain strong partnerships within the community
- Strong and Diverse Economy - Actively contribute and build a diverse, strong and resilient economy
- Growing Liveability - Invest in liveability in the region for future generations to live, work, play and study
- It's the people that make it - Actively contribute to, and participate in our communities
- Care for our Environment - Take pride in our environment, and mitigate adverse impacts
- First Nations - Develop meaningful partnerships with our First Nations community
- Celebrate your Impact - Assess your impact and celebrate your contribution to our communities.
A lot of great examples of communities partnering already exist within the Western Downs. We encourage all large businesses operating in the region to assess their impact and celebrate their contribution to our communities by completing the self-evaluation.
Download the Communities Partnering Framework(PDF, 11MB) Download the Self Evaluation Form(PDF, 233KB)
Businesses signed up to the Communities Partnering Framework
A recent update to the Planning Act (July 2025) now requires new large-scale wind and solar developments to submit a Social Impact Assessment and enter into a Community Benefit Agreement with the Local Government prior to submitting their development application. These changes were introduced to ensure long-term social, economic, and environmental benefits from renewable energy projects.
Under the Planning (Social Impact and Community Benefit) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2025, the following developments must now follow a community benefit system:
- Wind farm developments
- Solar farm developments with a maximum instantaneous electricity output of 1MW or more
- Battery storage facility developments with a maximum instantaneous electricity output of 50MW or more
To lodge a valid development application, project proponents must submit:
- A Social Impact Assessment (SIA)
- An executed Community Benefit Agreement (CBA)
In addition to this, the Planning Regulation requires that solar farm development and wind farm development require impact assessment, unless a minor change to a development approval is requested. This means that development applications are subject to public notification, and community members and other stakeholders may lodge submissions regarding the proposal which the assessment manager must consider when making their decision. Additionally, third-party appeal rights are available.
A Social Impact Assessment (SIA) is a way to understand how a project might affect people and communities—both positively and negatively. It looks at these impacts at every stage of the project, from planning through to completion, including direct and indirect effects. The process involves identifying these impacts, analysing them, planning how to manage them, and keeping track of them over time.
Key requirements include:
- Assessing impacts across five focus areas:
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- Community and stakeholder engagement
- Workforce management
- Housing and accommodation
- Local business and industry procurement
- Health and community well-being
- Developing strategies to reduce negative impacts and enhance positive outcomes
- Monitoring and updating these strategies throughout the project lifecycle
- Documenting findings in a detailed SIA report
The SIA focus areas align closely with Council’s Communities Partnering Framework supporting Council’s proactive approach to managing the impacts of major developments, and amplifying legacy outcomes for the community.
A CBA is a formal agreement between the developer and Council (and sometimes other partners) that ensures the project delivers real, local benefits to the community. CBAs are informed by the preceding SIA, as well as other identified community needs documented in Council and/or community strategic plans.
Council's Expectations
Western Downs Regional Council has set the following principles for Community Benefit Agreements:
- Strategic Alignment: CBAs must support the achievement of Council’s Corporate Plan, Operational Plan, and key infrastructure and community strategies.
- Community Responsiveness: Community views must be captured through meaningful engagement as part of the Social Impact Assessments (SIAs) and used to define plans to mitigate adverse impacts and elevate social and environmental outcomes.
- Transparent Governance: Agreements must include clear accountability measures, including defined benefit streams, key principles for operational delivery and monitoring processes.
- Fairness and Equity: Funding allocation must consider geographic equity across impacted communities.
- Integrity of Purpose: CBAs must not be used as a substitute for statutory conditions or infrastructure charges or utilised to offset state government responsibilities. They are a goodwill-based supplement to regulatory compliance.
View Council's Renewable Energy Community Benefit Scheme Policy
Proponents who enter into a Community Benefit Agreement with Council will be documented here.
This toolkit contains resources, templates, tools and information for renewable energy proponents looking to commence a major project in the Western Downs, and community stakeholders providing input as part of proponent community engagement activities.
All enquiries and correspondence should be sent to majorprojects@wdrc.qld.gov.au.
Tools for Proponents
Templates & Guides
Proponent Letter Template - Notice of Intent to commence SIA(DOCX, 42KB)
FAQ - Social Impact Assessment Requirements(PDF, 746KB)
Priority Infrastructure Areas Map(PDF, 5MB)
Rates Code 2 - Commercial/Industrial Group
Strategies and Policies
Renewable Energy Community Benefit System Policy
Economic Development Strategy
Housing & Land Development Incentive Strategy
WDRC Corporate Plan
Western Downs Regional Workforce Plan 2025-2028(PDF, 7MB)
Communities Partnering
Communities Partnering Framework & Self-Assessment Form
Buy Western Downs - Local Business Directory
My Community Diary - Community groups, clubs, NFPs and essential service providers
Community Plans
Chinchilla(PDF, 22MB)
Kaimkillenbun(PDF, 5MB)
Miles(PDF, 4MB)
Tara(PDF, 20MB)
Wandoan(PDF, 3MB)
Warra(PDF, 165KB)
Other Resources
TSBE Western Downs Development Status Report
'Leveraging the Lessons from the Development of the Queensland Onshore Gas Industry' Report - UQ Gas & Energy Transition Research Centre(PDF, 504KB)
'Community Wellbeing and Attitudes Towards CSG Development, 2024-2024' - CSIRO Gas Industry and Environmental Research Alliance
Tools for Community Stakeholders
Social Impact Assessment Community Input Template(PDF, 964KB)
This tool is intended to enable communities to identify, assess and manage potential social impacts, while also highlighting opportunities to strengthen positive outcomes for the region. Once the template has been completed, Chambers can share this directly with proponents, consultants and Council to inform impact assessments and project planning.
Explore Energy Projects in the Western Downs
This interactive map provides a comprehensive view of all publicly released energy projects across the Western Downs region. It’s designed to help proponents, residents, and other interested parties understand the scale and diversity of energy development in our area.
What you’ll find on the map:
- Project details including name, type of development, and proponent.
- Location and stage of each project (operational, under construction, DA approval, or proposed).
- Links to project websites (where available) for more information.
How to use the map:
- Zoom in and out to explore specific areas.
- Apply filters to refine your search by project type or development stage.
This tool makes it easy to visualise the type, size, and location of energy projects shaping the future of the Western Downs.
While every effort is taken to ensure the information is accurate, Western Downs Regional Council makes no representations or warranties about accuracy, reliability, completeness or suitability and any entity is encouraged to undertake their own due diligence.
Click here to view the map
Large scale renewable energy projects are assessed by the Queensland Government, not local governments.
State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) are responsible for:
- Assessing major renewable energy proposals
- Reviewing environmental, social and economic impacts
- Considering community submissions
- Making the final decision on whether a project is approved
Council role includes:
- Reviewing and commenting on Social Impact Assessments (SIAs)
- Ensuring that proponents engage meaningfully with affected landholders and communities
- Advocating for local issues such as housing, roads, workforce impacts and service pressures
- Working with project proponents to develop a Community Benefit Agreement (CBA)
- Ensuring the CBA delivers lasting, region-wide benefits
- Providing guidance to residents about who to contact regarding project-specific concerns
Ultimately, Council's involvement in the SIA/CBA is ensuring that major projects undertake due diligence in their social impact assessment, grounded in strong community engagement and consultation, and resulting in a Community Benefit Agreement that will deliver lasting benefits to the broader community.
Where to find more information
Queensland Government Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Resources: