Proposed Koolkuna Solar Farm and BESS

Future X Tech, an Australian renewable energy developer is proposing to develop and operate a solar farm and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Lilydale, QLD.

The project will generate 24 MW of solar energy and deliver 90MWh of battery storage, supporting a more reliable and affordable electricity supply across Queensland, while creating local jobs and contributing to long‑term investment in the region.

What's Changed

The previous Development Application (DA) for the proposal submitted to the Lockyer Valley Regional Council in November 2024 will now be 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 Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning (DSDIP).

While Lockyer Valley Regional Council is no longer the determining authority of the proposal, they remain a key stakeholder in the development and assessment of the proposal.

Future X Tech 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.

Why Lilydale?

1 / Network Access

The site was chosen for its direct access to existing 33 kV transmission line and its close proximity to an existing substation (approximately 2km to the east).

2 / Suitable Terrain

It is mostly open grassland with minimal vegetation, allowing the project to be built with minimal impact.

3 / Poor Water Access

The site has limited access to water, which has restricted previous productive agricultural activity

Project Benefits

Clean, reliable and affordable energy:

Renewable electricity from the sun and wind is stored in batteries and used when demand is highest, supporting grid stability and reliability. The project will also undertake upgrades to existing Energex infrastructure, improving network resilience and capacity. Together, this enables more efficient energy use, reduces energy waste, and helps lower overall energy costs.

Local economic benefits:

Construction and operation of the project will create local employment opportunities. Engagement with local suppliers and contractors (where possible) will also support ongoing investment in the regional economy.

Sustainable agricultural land use:

The project intends to integrate managed sheep grazing on the site.

Lower emissions: 

The project supports the transition away from fossil fuels by enabling greater use of renewable energy. Over time, it is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 135,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.

Community benefits:

The project is committed to working collaboratively with Lockyer Valley Regional Council and the local community to develop a CBA that reflects local priorities and delivers long‑term value.

Community Benefits

Future X Tech will be required to enter into a Community Benefit Agreement (CBA) with Lockyer Valley Regional Council. A CBA is a legally binding agreement between Future X Tech and council that will ensure the project (if approved) delivers tangible, place‑based benefits for the local community. Future X Tech is working with Lockyer Valley 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.

Our commitment to the community

Future X Tech has engaged Urbis to undertake community engagement on the proposal and over the upcoming months, will work closely to establish a transparent and inclusive engagement process with the local community and stakeholders.

While the approval pathway has changed, community feedback remains a priority for Future X Tech and central to the assessment process and as plans for the proposed Koolkuna Solar Farm and BESS progress, Future X Tech is committed to ongoing engagement with neighbours and the broader community and keeping them informed.

The Planning Pathway

Future X Tech is seeking approval from DSDIP.

The planning and environmental approvals process ensures that any potential impacts are identified, assessed, mitigated, avoided or managed to minimise the impacts of the local community and environment.

Future X Tech is preparing a range of assessments to support the planning application including:

Visual assessment

Environmental and biodiversity impacts

Glint and glare

Stormwater

Social impact

Local traffic and transport

Noise

These assessments will be available for the public to view as part of the exhibition process later this year.

We Are Here

Future X Tech is preparing a series of technical assessments to accompany the planning application. These will outline any potential impacts and will recommend ways to manage or mitigate those impacts. The outcomes of these assessments will provide directions for Future X Tech to help ensure any potential impacts are minimised. Future X Tech and Urbis are also out in the community providing information about the project and seeking community feedback on the proposal.

Mid to Late 2026

Future X Tech intends to lodge the planning application with DSDIP. After the application is lodged and any further information requested by DSDIP is submitted, Future X Tech will notify the local community via a public notification process.

The community will be formally invited to provide feedback to DSDIP as part of the public notification process.

Early 2027

Future X Tech is expecting a determination within 6-9 months of lodging the application with DSIP.

2027

Subject to obtaining the necessary approvals, Future X Tech would commence construction. Construction is expected to take approximately 24 months.

Provide Your Feedback

Community engagement is an important part of development application and allows us to understand any concerns the community may have. Your feedback will help us to shape the proposal.

Community drop-in sessions

We are inviting the community to learn more about the project and provide feedback at our community drop-in sessions to be held in May at a location to be advised.

Online survey

Urbis is preparing a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) to inform the planning application and CBA. An SIA is an independent, objective study undertaken to identify and analyse potential social impacts (positive and negative) associated with the proposed development. Community feedback is an important component of the SIA and will inform the assessment. You can share your thoughts by completing a short online survey. here:

More information

Future X Tech has engaged Urbis to support the planning, approvals and engagement for the proposal.

If you would like to learn more about Koolkuna Solar Farm and BESS, we encourage you to contact us at:

engagement@urbis.com.au

1800 271 009