Proposed Oakey Solar Farm and BESS 

SunBESS Energy Solutions Pty Ltd (ABN 25 676 295 220) is the development entity for the project. It is part of the FutureX Group, an Australian energy retailer, energy service provider and embedded network management business specialising in renewable energy. SunBESS Energy Solutions intends to develop and operate the project for the entirety of the project’s lifecycle.

SunBESS Energy Solutions, an Australian renewable energy developer is proposing to develop and operate a solar farm and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Oakey, QLD. The project will generate 60.1 MWdc of solar energy and deliver 200.6 MWh of battery storage, with a maximum grid export capacity (pMax) of 65 MW, supporting a more reliable and affordable electricity supply across Queensland, while creating local jobs and contributing to long‑term investment in the region.

SunBESS Energy Solutions intends to develop and operate the project, there are no intentions to sell off the project.

The Oakey Hybrid project will contribute a total generation and storage capacity to the National Electricity Market (NEM) grid consisting of:60.1 MWdc of clean solar generation capacity200.6 MWh (Megawatt-hours) of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) capacity. This hybrid configuration will supply renewable solar power during daily peak periods while utilising its integrated 200.6 MWh BESS capacity to store excess energy and dispatch it back into the grid during high-demand or low-generation intervals, supporting local grid reliability in Southeast Queensland.Grid Benefits: High-Value Network ServicesBy combining a 60.1 MWdc solar farm with a 200.6 MWh battery system, the Oakey project does more than generate bulk electricity. It also operates as an automated grid stabiliser through: Reduced risk of power outages: The battery system responds within milliseconds to stabilize network frequency if a major power station fails. This rapid response actively lowers the chance of sudden blackouts for the immediate neighbourhood. Protection for appliances and equipment: Advanced smart inverters automatically manage voltage quality during both day and night. This continuous stabilization protects local household appliances, electronics, and farm machinery from damage caused by unexpected power surges or voltage drops. A stronger, more reliable local grid: By utilising modern grid-forming technology, the battery installation mimics the physical strength of traditional power stations. It operates as a digital shock absorber for the nearby area, making the local network more resilient against everyday technical faults. Faster emergency power recovery: The battery asset includes independent restart capabilities, known as "black start" support. If a natural disaster or major accident causes a total regional blackout, the facility can turn itself on without outside help. This allows the asset to serve as a local anchor point, helping network engineers restore power to the surrounding community much faster.

The site was chosen for its direct access to the existing Powerlink 110 kV high-voltage transmission line that crosses the property, avoiding the need for major new transmission infrastructure. The site is also located within the Southern Queensland Renewable Energy Zone (REZ). The site is predominantly cleared, gently undulating land (Lot 6 on SP345600, approximately 86 ha) that has historically been used for dryland cropping with some cattle grazing. The project footprint of approximately 64 ha allows the project to be built with minimal vegetation clearing, and a 30-metre setback has been applied between all property boundaries and site infrastructure to minimise impacts on neighbouring land.

A solar farm is a large‑scale facility that generates electricity by using rows of solar panels to capture energy from the sun. The panels convert sunlight into electricity, which is then fed into the electricity network to supply homes and businesses. A solar farm works by using large numbers of solar panels to capture energy from the sun and convert it into electricity. When sunlight hits the panels, it creates an electrical current. This electricity is then converted into a form suitable for the power grid and sent through electrical infrastructure to supply homes and businesses.

BESS is an energy storage system that uses a group of batteries to store electrical energy from a variety of renewable sources (wind/solar) for later use and can respond faster than other energy storage or generation technologies.The system compensates for the intermittency of sources, providing backup power to address certain constraints such as weather conditions and lack of grid space.They are crucial to the increased adoption of dispersed energy sources and infrastructure, reducing the risk of widespread power outages.

Assessment and decision will be undertaken by the State Government through the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning (DSDIP).

The proposal is being progressed as a State-assessed development application through the SARA (State Assessment and Referral Agency) pathway, assessed against State Code 26 (Solar Farm development) and State Code 27 (Battery storage facility development), and is subject to the new legislative changes to the planning system.The Planning (Social Impact and Community Benefit) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2025 introduced changes that see all large‑scale solar and wind projects required to undertake a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) and participate in a Community Benefit System, with assessment and approval undertaken by the State Government through the DSDIP. While TRC is no longer the determining authority of the proposal, they remain a key stakeholder in the development and assessment of the proposal.

While TRC is no longer the determining authority of the proposal, they remain a key stakeholder in the development and assessment process. SunBESS Energy Solutions is currently preparing the planning application, including a range of studies and assessments that will outline potential impacts of the proposal and recommend mitigation measures where necessary to submit to the State Government later this year.SunBESS Energy Solutions is required to enter into a Community Benefit Agreement (CBA) with TRC prior to submitting the application to DSDIP.

The Planning (Social Impact and Community Benefit) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2025 introduced changes that see all large‑scale solar and wind projects required to undertake a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) and participate in a Community Benefit System, with assessment and approval undertaken by the State Government through the DSDIP.

The robust planning and environmental approvals process ensures that any potential impacts are identified, assessed, mitigated, avoided or managed to minimise the impacts on the local community and environment. SunBESS Energy Solutions is preparing a range of assessments to support the planning application including:Visual Impact Assessment and LandscapingGlint And GlareEnvironmental, And Biodiversity ImpactsFire ManagementStormwater ManagementSocial Impact AssessmentLocal Traffic and TransportNoiseAll supporting technical assessments will be made available for community review, from lodgement of the application to the State. After the application is submitted and any further information requested by DSDIP is provided, SunBESS Energy Solutions will notify the local community via a public notification process. During this period all supporting technical assessments will continue to be made available for community review and anyone can make a submission.

An independent Visual Impact Assessment is being prepared as part of the development application, alongside a Glint and Glare Assessment to consider the visual impact and potential for sunlight reflected from the panels to affect nearby public roads, buildings or residences. The proposal also includes landscape concept plans that incorporate vegetation buffer zones around the site, using tree and shrub planting to reduce visibility from surrounding properties and roads. We will continue to work with adjoining landowners to understand and minimise any impacts to their properties.

While solar panels are silent, the BESS may generate occasional, low-level noise from the sound of the cooling fans required to regulate the operating temperature of the individual battery cells. The sound is similar to an air conditioning unit or a dull whirring noise.An Environmental Noise Impact Report is being prepared as part of the development approval process. The BESS will be designed and located to minimise noise impacts, and noise levels will be required to meet Queensland regulatory standards at nearby residences. Routine inspections will include noise monitoring to confirm compliance, with any issues addressed promptly.

The noise assessment does include testing at night. The acoustic testing is conducted continuously over a full one-week period to ensure that night-time noise levels are recorded and evaluated.Data is collected from multiple monitoring points placed around the property. This seven-day testing schedule ensures the assessment captures the quietest periods of the night.All measurements are performed in strict accordance with relevant international standards, including:ISO 3746:2010 (Acoustics standards for sound power levels)ISO 3745:2012 (Acoustics standards for high-precision testing environments)ISO 9614-1:1993 (Acoustics standards for sound intensity measurement)IEC 60076-10:2016 (International standards for power transformer noise levels)Using these recognised standards ensures that the project fully complies with official government noise limits during quiet night-time hours.

Australia has some of the strictest fire standards in the world and the project will be designed and constructed in accordance with these Australian Safety Standards.A Bushfire Assessment Report has been prepared for the project, which confirms the site is not within a mapped Bushfire Prone Area (the nearest mapped areas are approximately 1.25 km to the west and 1.75 km to the east). The main fire consideration is the potential for fast-moving grassfires in the surrounding cropping and grazing land. If approved, a Fire and Emergency Management Plan will be prepared in consultation with Queensland Fire Department (QFD), setting out fire prevention measures and emergency response procedures. This includes procedures for monitoring to ensure that any fire risk is identified and addressed immediately. We will continue to engage closely with the local QFD to ensure that the local brigades are familiar with the site and the project meets their requirements.  The BESS will align with Clean Energy Council battery safety guidelines. Each battery enclosure will incorporate appropriate fire detection, ventilation, thermal management and suppression measures consistent with AFAC and Clean Energy Council guidelines, and will be located away from site boundaries and vegetation to minimise fire risk. Asset Protection Zones (managed low-fuel buffers) will be maintained around infrastructure – a minimum of 8 metres around the solar arrays and 21 metres around the BESS, power conversion units, switching station and operational building – and static fire-water storage tanks will be provided on site, consistent with the Bushfire Assessment Report.

Modern utility-scale energy systems employ a layered safety approach, utilising high-speed electronic monitoring to detect anomalies and trigger protective shutdowns long before a fire risk can develop.While the specific response times vary based on the type of fault, the general safety protocols for battery and solar infrastructure are summarised below:Detection Speed: The Battery Management System (BMS) continuously scans system data. If an internal cell or module reports an abnormal reading (such as a slight temperature rise or voltage fluctuation), the system detects the anomaly in milliseconds. Response Speed: Upon detecting a fault, the system initiates an automated internal isolation sequence. The electrical contractors open instantly, disconnecting the affected battery string from the grid in milliseconds. This prevents thermal events from spreading to adjacent cells or modules. Active Cooling: The liquid-cooling systems integrated into the battery architecture act as a primary defence, actively regulating internal temperatures to maintain the battery within safe operating limits, thereby preventing potential ignition at the source.Solar panels don't detect fire on their own — the safety features are built into the electrical system instead. The inverters and optimisers can detect the electrical signature of a spark or fault and shut down that part of the system within seconds.This removes the fire risk quickly and brings the voltage in the solar array down to safe levels — either when someone hits an emergency stop or if the system loses power from the grid. That means firefighters and other emergency responders can safely access the site.The design meets Australia's safety standards for renewable energy projects. It's built to be "fail-safe": automated sensors and controls respond faster, isolating faults in milliseconds to protect the site and surroundings.

While utility-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) carry thermal and chemical risks, the statistical likelihood of an incident at a professional facility is extremely low and multiple layers of protection are in place to prevent them.The batteries proposed to be used in this project are a type called Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP). These are fundamentally different from the batteries in your phone or laptop — they are far more stable, much harder to ignite, run at a lower frequency and operational stress, and don't produce their own oxygen when something goes wrong and are highly resistant to catching fire. Utility BESS units are housed in rugged steel containers, kept at perfect operating temperatures by automated liquid-cooling loops, and protected from all external physical damage.We have outlined the key risks and how we are managing these risks.Battery fire (thermal runway) If a battery cell short-circuits or overheats, transferring heat to surrounding cells and creating a self-sustaining loop. This is very unlikely with LFP batteries — they need extreme conditions to fail. The system is monitored 24/7 by computers that automatically isolate any problem area and boost cooling the moment a temperature rise is detected. The chance of a major fire event is less than 1 in 10,000 per year. Gas build up and explosion Faulty battery cells can release chemical gases during an internal fault. If these build up in an enclosed space, they could ignite. The containers have automatic gas detectors that pick up any dangerous vapours 2 to 10 minutes before smoke or flame can form. When triggered, the container automatically vents the gas and releases a fire-suppressing agent. Think of it like the safety systems at your local petrol station — just more automated and more sensitive. Re-ignition after a fire Even after a fire is put out, damaged batteries can still hold electrical charge and potentially reignite. LFP batteries are much less prone to this than other battery types. The moment a fault is detected, the system automatically cuts the electrical circuit — splitting the power into small, isolated, harmless blocks within milliseconds. This makes the site safe for emergency responders and technicians to inspect. Radiant heat spreading to nearby properties A battery fire releases thermal energy and radiant heat that could potentially affect neighbouring properties. LFP fires burn at much lower peak temperatures than standard lithium-ion or chemical fires. This thermal risk is fully managed by implementing strict safety buffers. The site is designed with strict setback distances (safety buffers) so that heat cannot reach the property boundary, or cross to neighbouring homes or land.

We recognise that Battery Energy Storage Systems are a relatively new type of infrastructure for rural Queensland, and that the techniques used to respond to a lithium-battery incident are different from those used for grass, scrub or structure fires. Supporting our local rural fire brigades to be confident and prepared is something we want to get right. The current Queensland framework The Queensland Fire Department (QFD) is the lead agency for fire response at renewable energy facilities and is developing Queensland-specific guidance for BESS, solar and wind sites, scheduled for release in 2026.  QFD already works through the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC), whose 2025 Large-scale Battery Energy Storage System Installations guideline sets the national benchmark for fire safety strategy, site design and emergency response engagement at utility-scale BESS sites. Industry research also continues through programs like Fire and Rescue NSW's SARET Research Program, which is investigating best-practice fire brigade response to lithium-ion battery incidents.

The project is actively exploring a range of ways to support Toowoomba region's volunteer rural fire brigades, including:Early engagement with QFD — working with the QFD from the planning stage so the site's emergency response strategy is built with the right people from the outset Site-specific Emergency Response Plan — developed with QFD and local brigades, covering site maps, water points, isolation procedures, hazard zones, access routes, response plans, protecting surrounding assets and contact lists Familiarisation visits — inviting local brigade members to walk through the site before it opens, so crews already know where emergency stops, isolation switches and access routes are before any incident occurs Training support — the project is open to contributing to specialist battery firefighting training for local brigade members through nationally recognised providers Equipment and PPE — as part of ongoing negotiations with Council, the project is willing to discuss whether any equipment or protective gear needs identified by the brigades themselves can be addressed.Volunteer rural fire brigades are the backbone of Toowoomba region emergency response, and we want any support the project provides to be genuinely useful, shaped by Council, QFD and the brigades themselves. We will continue to explore how the project can support local brigades through our Community Benefit Agreement.

A site-specific Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) and supporting Hydraulic Impact Assessment have informed the site design so that flooding is not a risk. These technical studies confirm that the Oakey site is not located within a mapped flood hazard area and is not subject to riverine or creek flooding. The only credible water-related risk identified is localised overland stormwater run-off during heavy rainfall events, a normal characteristic of rural land in Southeast Queensland.

All critical equipment — including the batteries, inverters and transformers — will be raised above the level of a 1-in-100-year storm event. This means even in an exceptionally severe storm, all electrical equipment stays dry and keeps working.

The design preserves the natural paths that water already takes across the land. Water will continue to drain through the site the same way it does today without any downstream impact. Detention measures (including the existing dam on the southern end of the property) ensure that the amount of water leaving the site during a storm will be no greater than it is right now, before any development.

The battery containers are waterproof, fully sealed and sit inside bunded enclosures. Even if water pooled around them, nothing can get in — and no contaminants can get out into the soil or stormwater.Emergency response during a flood or severe weather event If approved, an Emergency Management Plan (EMP) will be developed prior to construction and maintained throughout operations. In relation to flood and severe weather scenarios, it will include: 24/7 remote monitoring of the site via the control system, with automated alerts for any abnormal conditions (including water ingress sensors at critical electrical enclosures). Pre-event procedures triggered by Bureau of Meteorology severe weather warnings, including site inspections, securing of loose materials, and confirmation that drainage infrastructure is clear and functional. Automated safe shutdown protocols, in the unlikely event of any fault or water-related risk, the solar array and BESS can be isolated from the grid within milliseconds and placed into a safe, de-energised state remotely. Coordination with local emergency services is being considered. If approved, EMP will be developed in consultation with Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES), the State Emergency Service (SES) and Toowoomba Regional Council's Local Disaster Management Group, ensuring site information, access points and contact details are integrated into regional disaster response arrangements. Post-event inspection and recovery, following any significant weather event, a structured inspection of drainage paths, sediment controls, electrical infrastructure and site access will be undertaken before normal operations resume.

Yes, the system has been designed and engineered to operate safely during extreme Queensland summer heatwaves without incident. The hardware utilises automated liquid cooling, multi-layered thermal protections, and stable chemical structures to handle summer conditions safely.

Solar farms do not generate industrial waste, toxic by‑products or chemical discharges during normal operation. Solar panels are manufactured and certified to Australian Standards and are solid, sealed units made from tempered glass, silicon cells, aluminium frames and non‑toxic polymer backing, with no free‑flowing liquids or hazardous chemicals.The Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) will be housed in sealed, waterproof and bunded containers to prevent any release of liquids. The site will be regularly inspected, with damaged equipment replaced promptly, and stormwater and erosion controls implemented to protect soil and nearby waterways during construction and operation.

The facility uses Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery technology. This specific chemistry is chosen because it relies on stable, widely available materials rather than volatile or toxic heavy metals.The primary components contained within the sealed battery cells are:Lithium Iron Phosphate: This serves as the positive cathode material. It is a stable, solid chemical compound made from non-toxic, abundant minerals. Graphite (Carbon): This forms the negative anode material, acting as the standard electrical conductor. Organic Electrolyte Solution: A liquid mixture containing lithium salts that allows the electrical charge to flow between the internal components of the cell.Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries used in older electronics, LFP chemistry contains zero cobalt, zero nickel, and zero lead or cadmium. This completely eliminates the severe toxic and environmental hazards commonly associated with heavy-metal batteries.To put this into perspective, these chemicals pose no open chemical hazard to the community or the local environment.A battery system does not behave like a chemical processing plant or a liquid fuel tank. The chemical compounds are completely solid or tightly sealed inside multi-layered, microscopic protective membranes within each individual cell. They cannot leak, dissolve into air, or escape under normal operation.Furthermore, because these cells are packed into modular racks and housed inside heavy-duty, waterproof, and bunded steel containers, there is no path for any chemical material to ever touch the soil or enter the groundwater supply. It functions as a completely self-contained, closed technical asset - offering a safety profile that is cleaner and more secure than a standard passenger vehicle parked on a suburban driveway.

The primary use of water during construction will be to keep dust levels low. This will be managed through on-site sources and carted (purchased) water brought to the site, with no extraction from local waterways. As the site is not on a reticulated water supply, dedicated static water storage tanks will also be provided on site for fire-fighting purposes. Once construction is complete, minimal water will be required – depending on rainfall, occasional panel cleaning (perhaps once or twice per year) using carted or stored water. The solar farm will have very low water requirements after construction, and the project is designed to avoid impacts on local water availability for other agricultural users.

SunBESS Energy Solutions is not aware of any operating water bores on the site. The site has historically had limited access to water, which is one of the reasons it has not supported intensive agricultural use. The project itself does not rely on groundwater, and water needs during construction will be managed through on-site collection (including the existing dam on the southern end of the block) and carted water, with no extraction from local waterways or aquifers planned.We understand questions about bore holes often relate to broader concerns about groundwater quality and long-term water security for surrounding properties. As outlined in the Contamination section of this FAQ, the project does not generate industrial waste or chemical discharges, the BESS is housed in sealed and bunded containers, and stormwater and erosion controls will be in place during both construction and operation, all designed to protect soil and groundwater on the site and on neighbouring properties.If any community member has specific information about a bore on or near the site that we should be aware of, we'd genuinely welcome that input through the project engagement channels, it helps us build a more complete picture.

A solar farm with sheep grazing uses significantly less water than the intensive agricultural activities the site was previously unable to sustain. Unlike irrigated cropping, which requires large volumes of water, solar generation uses virtually none, and low-density sheep grazing requires only modest stock water. The operation is designed to fit within the site’s existing water limits, without importing significant supplies or impacting local users.The Oakey site has restricted access to reliable water, which has constrained the kinds of productive agricultural use possible on the land, particularly water-intensive activities such as cropping, irrigated pasture or higher-density livestock operations. This was one of the considerations in selecting the site: it minimises the displacement of productive, water-dependent farming.The largest water demand will occur during construction, mainly for dust suppression on access tracks and laydown areas. This will be met using on-site sources, including the existing southern dam (which may be expanded), and supplementary carted water as needed. No water will be taken from local waterways or aquifers, and construction use will be temporary and controlled, without creating an ongoing demand on local supply. Once the project is operational, water requirements drop will reduce to very low baseline. Panel cleaning is typically only needed once or twice a year depending on rainfall and dust conditions and is undertaken using either dam water or carted water. There is no ongoing process water demand, no cooling water requirement and no irrigation associated with the solar infrastructure itself.Sheep grazing under and around the panel arrays (often referred to as agrivoltaics) is a low-water-demand land use compared with cropping or cattle. Panel shading helps retain soil moisture and can reduce animals’ water needs. Water will come from typical on-site sources, including the existing dam and captured rainfall, and the operation will be scaled to available water without relying on new external supplies. A detailed water management approach will form part of the Environmental Management Plan and Construction Management Plan, and water use will be monitored and reported in line with approval conditions. If community members have specific concerns about a particular water source or downstream user, we encourage you to contact the project team so they can be considered in the planning process.

The exact number, size and location of water storage tanks is still being worked through as part of the detailed design process and has not yet been finalised. The project is currently in the pre-lodgement phase, with subsequent design stages to follow once feedback from the Development Application process is received. We want to be upfront that these specifics will be confirmed progressively, rather than committed to before the underlying design work is complete.How we will approach tank locationsWhile final placement is yet to be confirmed, the design intent is to position any water storage so that visual impact on neighbours and the surrounding road network is minimised. This means:Locating tanks away from key view lines from adjoining properties and public roads wherever practical. Co-locating tanks with other infrastructure (such as the substation compound or maintenance areas) so visible elements of the site are grouped rather than scattered. Integrating tanks within the landscape design — including vegetation buffer zones, tree and shrub planting, and the use of natural topography for screening — consistent with the landscape concept plans being prepared as part of the DA. Considering colour and finish to help any visible tank surfaces blend with the surrounding rural setting. When this information will be confirmedFinal tank numbers, capacities and locations will be detailed in the subsequent design documentation that follows lodgement of the Development Application, and will be reflected in the Environmental Management Plan and Construction Management Plans. These documents will be made available for community review as part of the public notification process, and we will continue to share updates with neighbours and the broader community as the design progresses.If community members have specific concerns about visual amenity from vantage points, we welcome that input now through the project engagement channels so it can be considered as the design is finalised.

Property values are shaped by many factors, including housing demand, economic conditions, infrastructure investment and wider market trends. While some residents have raised questions about nearby renewable energy infrastructure, current evidence does not show a consistent negative impact on property values. Research from areas hosting major renewable energy projects suggests property markets continue to be influenced mainly by broader local and regional factors. (https://cleanenergycouncil.org.au/for-consumers/fact-sheets/impacts-and-benefits-to-consumers-get-the-facts/renewable-energy-property-prices-and-insurance)How the project's design helps minimise any perceived impactWhile we cannot guarantee how individual buyers or valuers will respond, the project is being designed with the surrounding landscape and neighbouring properties firmly in mind. Measures that directly address the most common reasons people raise property value concerns include:Visual amenity: An independent Visual Impact Assessment and Glint and Glare Assessment are being undertaken, supported by landscape concept plans that include vegetation buffer zones, tree and shrub planting around the site, and ongoing engagement with adjoining landowners to understand and minimise impacts to their properties. Noise: An independent Environmental Noise Impact Report is being prepared, with night-time testing, and the project will be designed to meet Queensland regulatory noise limits at nearby residences. Traffic and roads: A Traffic Impact Assessment is being prepared, with construction traffic mandated through the Construction Management Plan to manage impacts on Oakey Biddeston Road and Oakey Crosshill Road. Site selection: The site was selected for its access to existing electricity infrastructure, mostly open grassland with limited vegetation, and limited historical agricultural productivity due to restricted water - reducing the displacement of higher-value rural uses nearby. Reversibility: Solar farms are a reversible land use. Infrastructure can be removed at the end of the project's life and the land returned to its previous agricultural use, meaning the project does not permanently alter the underlying character of the land.Ongoing engagement with adjoining landownersWe will continue to work directly with adjoining landowners through the project lifecycle to understand specific concerns about their properties and how the design can respond. If individual neighbours would like to discuss potential impacts on their property in more detail, we encourage them to contact the project team through the engagement channels listed at the end of this FAQ.

The project would hold comprehensive insurance to cover potential losses, including unlikely events such as fire and natural events such as hailstorms, and any liability for third-party damage or injury.There is no specific evidence that renewable energy projects increase neighbouring landholders’ public liability insurance costs or affect access to cover. Industry publications suggest rising premiums experienced more generally over the past few years are not localised to only houses in proximity to renewable projects and are unlikely to be linked to clean energy projects. (https://cleanenergycouncil.org.au/for-consumers/fact-sheets/impacts-and-benefits-to-consumers-get-the-facts/renewable-energy-property-prices-and-insurance)Context for rural premiumsRural insurance premiums have risen for reasons that have little to do with renewable energy, particularly an increasing frequency of natural disaster events across Southeast Queensland, higher rebuild costs, and global reinsurance market changes. These are landscape-scale factors affecting most rural communities.How the project's design helpsWhile insurer decisions sit outside the project's control, the design measures outlined elsewhere in this FAQ, including the layered fire safety approach, stable LFP battery chemistry, 24/7 monitoring, automated isolation and venting, stormwater controls, and engagement with Queensland Fire Department and local Rural Fire Brigades, are aimed at minimising the kinds of risks an insurer would consider.

A Traffic Impact Assessment is being prepared to address construction and operational traffic and to ensure the local road network is appropriately managed.Site access will be provided from Oakey Biddeston Road along the eastern boundary via two existing access points, together with a new western access point on Oakey Crosshill Road near the intersection with Ciesiolka Road. These access points have been designed to accommodate construction, operational and maintenance vehicles.Construction vehicle movements will be mandated through the Construction Management Plan, which will ensure any unauthorised movements on the surrounding local road network can be dealt with immediately and rectified.

If approved, an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and Construction Management Plan (CMP) will be developed and consider mitigation and management plans to address and minimise the effects of dust, air, noise and light pollution created by the construction of the Project. It is expected that the conditions of approval will require the considerations of these potential impacts.How impacts will be monitored and addressedRoutine inspections during construction to confirm controls are in place and working. A community contact point for any questions, concerns or complaints during construction (details to be confirmed prior to works commencing). Clear escalation procedures so any issues raised by neighbours are responded to promptly. Compliance with approval conditions, the EMP and CMP will reflect the final conditions set through the Development Approval process, and compliance will be subject to regulatory oversight.Keeping the community informedWe will provide advance notice of major construction milestones, expected periods of heavier activity (such as deliveries of large components), and any temporary traffic arrangements. Updates will be shared through the project engagement channels listed at the end of this FAQ, and direct engagement with adjoining landowners will continue throughout construction.The final EMP and CMP will be made available as part of the project documentation, and we welcome community input on specific concerns now so they can be considered as the plans are finalised.Construction hoursConstruction noise in Queensland is regulated under the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) 994. TRC will be responsible for enforcing construction noise standards.SunBESS Energy Solutions is committed to following the guidelines for construction noise set by the EPA and will keep the community informed of construction activities ahead of time.Under the default noise standards in Queensland's Environmental Protection Act 1994, building work carried out by a registered contractor or builder, or under an owner-builder permit, is allowed from 6:30am to 6:30pm Monday to Saturday, with no work permitted on Sundays or public holidays.

A Traffic Impact Assessment is being prepared to address construction and operational traffic and to ensure the local road network is appropriately managed.SunBESS Energy Solutions is committed to working collaboratively with TRC on any local concerns about traffic and road upgrades on Oakey Biddeston Road and Oakey Crosshill Road. This will be finalised prior to submission.

The site has been selected specifically because it can connect into existing electricity network infrastructure, which avoids the need for a major new substation as part of the Oakey Solar Farm and BESS.Avoiding a new substation means a smaller infrastructure footprint, fewer visual changes to the surrounding landscape and reduced construction impacts compared with projects that require new high-voltage substations to be built from scratch. It also reflects one of the original reasons the site was chosen - its proximity to existing distribution infrastructure, which allows the project to integrate into the network with minimal additional buildout.Final details of the connection arrangement and any associated network upgrades will be confirmed through the Powerlink connection process (a Connection Application has been submitted to Powerlink), and reflected in the documentation supporting the Development Application.

The project's grid connection has been designed around the existing Powerlink 110 kV transmission line that crosses the property:Power generated by the solar array and BESS will pass through the on-site transformers and a new switching station, which step the voltage up from 33 kV to 110 kV to match the Powerlink transmission network. From there, the 110 kV output will connect (via a ‘tee’ connection) into the existing Powerlink 110 kV transmission line between the Tangkam and Middle Ridge substations that crosses the property, with power transmitted to the Middle Ridge substation approximately 27 km to the south-west. This approach uses the existing network rather than requiring new high-voltage transmission infrastructure or a new substation footprint.Upgrades to existing network infrastructureTo support reliable two-way power flow and maintain power quality, some works on the existing Powerlink network may be required. These would be undertaken by, or in coordination with, Powerlink and may include:Protection scheme and switching works associated with the ‘tee’ connection into the Tangkam to Middle Ridge transmission line. Optical fibre (OPGW) communications works along the transmission line, to be confirmed during the Connection Application stage. These works take place on existing network assets and are aimed at enabling a safe, reliable connection, rather than building a major new substation on or adjacent to the Oakey site.Switching station on siteA 33/110 kV switching station will be located on the property to act as the isolation point between the project and the Powerlink network. Its role is to:Provide a controlled connection and disconnection point between the project and the grid. Allow power injection to be stopped quickly and safely when required, for example, during maintenance, in response to a fault, or at the direction of the network operator.The switching station is a much smaller and more compact piece of infrastructure than a substation and will be positioned and screened in line with the broader site layout and landscape design.

An ecological assessment is being undertaken as part of the planning process, and the project is designed to manage and minimise impacts on local wildlife and biodiversity during construction and operation. If approved, the site will be regularly monitored, with any wildlife interactions managed in accordance with Queensland environmental legislation and approved management procedures.

We understand that wild dogs and dingoes are an existing concern for graziers in the Toowoomba region, and this is something we have heard raised by neighbours during community engagement. While these pressures are not created by the project, we recognise that any change to land use in the area raises legitimate questions about how livestock, both on the project site and on neighbouring properties - will be protected. To address this the following mitigations are being proposed:Perimeter fencing: A 2-metre-high security fence is proposed around the Oakey solar farm and BESS infrastructure. While the primary purpose of this fence is site security and public safety, it will also provide a meaningful physical barrier that helps keep wild dogs and dingoes out of the fenced project area. Livestock management plan: If grazing of sheep is undertaken on the site as part of the broader land management strategy, a livestock management plan will be developed to guide stock welfare, stocking rates, predator-related risk management and routine inspection. This plan will be developed with input from the landowner and any grazing partner engaged to manage stock on the site. Site monitoring: Routine site inspections during operation provide an additional layer of observation, and any signs of wild dog or dingo activity on the site would be reported and managed in line with the livestock management plan and applicable Queensland biosecurity requirements.Working with existing community effortsWild dog and dingo management in the Toowoomba region is a landscape-scale issue that pre-dates the project and is best addressed through coordinated, area-wide approaches led by Council, biosecurity authorities and local landholders. SunBESS Energy Solutions is open to:Participating in any existing community or Council-led wild dog and dingo management programs in the area, including coordinated baiting, trapping or monitoring activities, where the project site can play a constructive role. Engaging with neighbouring landholders through the project's ongoing community engagement to understand local pressures and how the project's fencing, monitoring and land management arrangements can complement what neighbours are already doing. Aligning with Queensland biosecurity obligations under the Biosecurity Act 2014, which sets the framework for managing pest animals across rural Queensland.

There is no requirement to either export or import soils, however, should this ever be required any movement of soil will comply with Qld Biosecurity Act and the National Imported Ant Eradication Program. All sourced soil or fill will be purchased from approved suppliers. All movement certificates and treatment declarations will be obtained. The site will monitor for signs of fire ants, especially in the initial phase and after any soil deliveries.

We understand the importance of preserving agricultural land and soil health. Solar farms are designed to be low-impact and fully reversible, allowing the site to return to productive farming once the facility is decommissioned.An Agricultural Land Assessment has been prepared for the project. It confirms the footprint of approximately 64 ha overlies high quality agricultural land (Strategic Cropping Land, Priority Agricultural Area and Class A agricultural land), but that this represents only around 0.01% of the equivalent land mapped across the Toowoomba local government area, so the impact is not considered significant. Solar farms are a reversible land use, with infrastructure able to be removed and the deep black cracking-clay soils and land returned to their current cropping and grazing use. The project is designed to protect soil health, support sheep grazing for vegetation management, and manage erosion in line with planning, environmental and biosecurity requirements.

The project is being designed so the land can be returned to its current state, in line with environmental planning requirements. There will be no permanent loss of land function, and the owner is committed, and will be legally required, to fully rehabilitate the site to its former use. A decommissioning plan will be developed and outline requirements, and this will be a requirement for both lodgement of the application and will be finalised prior to any decision being made.

Construction of the project is expected to take around 12 to 18 months, with a peak workforce of approximately 150 to 220 personnel and an average workforce of around 80 to 120 personnel across the construction program. Once operational, the project will support approximately 4 to 10 ongoing operations and maintenance (O&M) roles, comprising around 3 to 6 full-time equivalent (FTE) solar O&M roles and around 1 to 3 FTE specialist battery and controls technicians for the BESS, with an operational life of approximately 20 or more years, based on the project's economic impact assessment. These long‑term positions will focus on asset management, electrical systems oversight and monitoring of the battery and solar plant, providing stable employment in the region.

Where possible, the project will prioritise local and regional suppliers for goods and services such as earthworks, transport, plant hire, fencing, electrical works, maintenance and professional services.This creates opportunities for small and medium‑sized businesses to participate directly in the project, helping build local capability, strengthen supply chains and improve business resilience over the longer term.

The project represents a substantial capital investment, with an estimated Construction Investment Value of approximately $100.6 million. This level of expenditure reflects the scale and technical sophistication of the solar and battery infrastructure, including high‑capacity battery storage, central inverters, electrical systems, civil works and grid connection assets.Construction activity will generate increased demand for local accommodation, food services, transport and everyday goods, supporting small businesses and creating flow‑on benefits across the Toowoomba region economy.Renewable energy infrastructure is designed to operate for several decades. Unlike short‑term development activity, this investment brings enduring economic value and long‑term certainty to Oakey and the broader Toowoomba region.The project also helps position the region as part of Queensland’s clean energy future, supporting economic diversification and strengthening the local economy beyond traditional land uses.It is estimated that over the construction phase the Oakey Solar Farm and BESS will generate over $62.96 million in economic growth benefits (direct and indirect) within Queensland. During ongoing operations, the project is set to generate around $3.5 million in State economic benefits annually.

A CBA is a legally binding agreement that will ensure the project (if approved) delivers tangible, place-based benefits for the local community.SunBESS Energy Solutions will be required to enter into a Community Benefit Agreement (CBA) with Toowoomba Regional Council, prior to the application being lodged to the State. SunBESS Energy Solutions is working with Toowoomba Regional Council to negotiate a CBA that is proportionate to the project and responsive to local needs and priorities.The agreement will be informed by the Social Impact Assessment (SIA), ensuring community benefits are targeted to the communities most directly affected by the project.So far, community members have shared a wide range of ideas for the Community Benefit Arrangement, including road infrastructure upgrades, cheaper power for local residents, grants, scholarships, upskilling opportunities and direct compensation for affected landowners. All feedback received will be carefully considered as the Community Benefit Arrangement is developed. We encourage the community to continue to be a part of this conversation by sharing what you think about what could be included in the CBA. Share your feedback here:

Projects like Oakey contribute to keeping wholesale electricity prices lower over time, but household electricity bills are influenced by many factors beyond any single project.Increases in electricity bill prices are generally not attributed to the wholesale price of electricity, but rather increased retail costs associated with upgrades to infrastructure happening around the country.How the project contributes to lower wholesale pricesWholesale electricity prices are set by the cost of generating and dispatching energy into the National Electricity Market (NEM). According to the Clean Energy Council, continuing to deploy renewable energy and storage helps keep wholesale electricity prices as low as possible. The Oakey project supports this in two specific ways:Low-cost solar generation: Once built, solar farms have very low ongoing fuel costs (sunlight is free) and low operating costs, allowing them to dispatch energy into the grid at competitive prices during daylight hours. Battery energy storage smoothing peak prices: The integrated 200.6 MWh BESS stores excess energy when generation is high and demand is low, then dispatches it back into the grid during evening peak demand periods. This reduces pressure on the network at the times when wholesale prices are typically highest, helping to lower the peaks that drive overall costs. By providing both generation and storage, the Oakey project supports a more balanced and reliable grid, and a more balanced grid is generally a lower-cost grid over time.Why household bills don't always move in line with wholesale pricesIt's important to be transparent about what shapes a household electricity bill. Wholesale energy is only one component of the final retail price. The other major components include:Network charges: the cost of building, maintaining and upgrading the poles, wires, substations and transmission lines that deliver electricity from the generator to the home. These charges typically make up a large share of a residential bill. Retail costs and margins: the cost of metering, billing, customer service and the retailer's operating margin. Environmental and government scheme costs: including the cost of meeting regulated environmental obligations.Increases in household electricity bills in recent years have been driven largely by network and retail costs, particularly investment in upgrading ageing infrastructure across the country, rather than by the wholesale price of energy itself. This is why even significant wholesale price improvements may not flow through directly to household bills in the short term.What this means for the local communityThe Oakey project will contribute to long-term wholesale price stability in Queensland by adding renewable generation and storage to the grid. It will support local grid reliability in South East Queensland, which helps reduce the risk and cost of outages. It is not a direct retailer, so the project itself does not set the prices that local households pay on their electricity bills.You can read the Clean Energy Council's full summary of renewable energy's impact on electricity prices here: https://cleanenergycouncil.org.au/for-consumers/fact-sheets/impacts-and-benefits-to-consumers-get-the-facts/renewable-energy-property-prices-and-insurance

Community feedback remains a priority for SunBESS Energy Solutions and central to the assessment process and throughout the project lifecycle. SunBESS Energy Solutions is committed to ongoing engagement with neighbours and the broader community and keeping them informed and are committed to keeping an open line of communication throughout the assessment process and into operations.We want to hear from the local community on what you’d like to see in our Community Benefit Agreement with Toowoomba Regional Council. Keep sharing your thoughts with us.If you have any questions or would like to meet with the team, please contact the project team on  XXXX or email XXXXXX