Boomer Green Energy Hub
Wind farms generate significant benefits for local and regional communities.
Ark Energy is a signatory to the Clean Energy Council’s Best Practice Charter for Renewable Energy Projects, a voluntary commitment to engage respectfully with communities, be sensitive to environmental and cultural values, and make a positive contribution to the regions in which we operate. We also recognise the importance of earning social licence for our projects, defined as a "level of acceptance or approval continually granted to an organisation's operations or project by the local community" (Boutilier and Thomson).
We look forward to working with residents and the communities of Marlborough, Duaringa, Mount Gardiner, Balcomba, Glenroy and the wider region to deliver meaningful and lasting benefits from the project.
Download the Involving the Community information sheet.
Local information centre
The Boomer Green Energy Hub Office & Information Centre provides convenient access to the latest project information and the opportunity to discuss the proposal with a local member of the project team. It is located at 1/24 William Street in the Rockhampton CBD, and open during regular business hours on most weekdays and by appointment.
Community Benefit Program
The proposal will involve a Community Benefit Program with funding from the start of construction and for the life of the wind farm. It's intended that the program will:
- Share generous benefits with the local community.
- Make a meaningful contribution to issues the community cares about.
- Be flexible to focus on changing priorities over time.
- Make the project a positive, rewarding and beneficial development for the local community.
- Advance community connectedness and inclusivity.
The program will be co-designed with community members and local stakeholders to ensure it serves local needs and priorities.
Working with Traditional Owners
Ark Energy recognises the continuing connection that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have to their land and advocates engagement with Traditional Owners that supports self-determination in caring for Country and economic opportunities.
Traditional Custodians are important project stakeholders and the Boomer Green Energy Hub project area is Barada Kabalbara Yetimarala Peoples country.
The project team is engaging with the Traditional Owners and this engagement is focused on identifying, protecting and managing cultural heritage on the site to ensure respect to traditional values and culture are upheld, and ensuring the Traditional Owners can benefit from the project in meaningful ways.
Community Consultative Group
A Community Consultative Group will be established to provide a forum for collaborative discussion between the project team and community representatives. Aims of the group will include to ensure local residents and stakeholders are:
- Kept informed of the status of the project
- Consulted on plans and proposed changes
- Able to provide feedback on any issues that may arise
The group will be comprised of a chairperson, community members and stakeholder representatives. If you live locally and are interested in chairing or participating in this group please let us know by email.
Newsletters
To sign up for email newsletters register here. To receive newsletters by mail please email the project team with your name, postal address and a request to be added to the mailing (post) list.
Download past issues via the links below.
Boomer Range Wind Farm Project Introduction - February 2022
Boomer Green Energy Hub Update - November 2022
Connect with us
Input from community members and stakeholders is welcome and valued - email the project team or complete an online feedback form.
Local information sessions will be held throughout the development phase, to provide interested community members with the opportunity to discuss the proposal in detail with the project team. Details of information sessions when these are scheduled will be advertised in the information centre and newsletters.