Powerlink and Natural Resource Management (NRM) Regions Queensland have signed an agreement to work collaboratively to ensure that Queensland’s green energy transition delivers nature-positive outcomes.
Under the landmark agreement, Powerlink will work collaboratively alongside eleven regional NRM organisations on key aspects including the management of environmental offsets to ensure social and environmental benefits for communities, landscapes and future generations.
The partnership recognises the opportunity to develop projects across Queensland that support both sectors to be nature positive, while balancing affordability, security and reliability of the electricity network. It also helps to facilitate the successful transition of the electricity network, which is becoming more weather affected.
Powerlink Executive General Manager of Network and Business Development, Stewart Bell, said that Powerlink is playing a vital role in delivering Queensland’s transition to a renewable energy future by building the connections between generators and Queenslanders.
“Partnerships like this will also allow us to make meaningful contributions to enhancing Queensland’s natural resources,” Mr Bell said.
“We see this is as not only a way to offset environmental impacts but also to understand how we can do more to ensure future generations can benefit from the rich environment Queensland has to offer.
“Over the term of the agreement, I look forward to seeing the progress and outcomes of this collaboration.”
Natural Resource Management Regions Queensland CEO, Chris Norman, said the purpose of the agreement is to drive innovation that supports both the energy and natural resource management sector to be nature positive.
“We are hoping to develop a program of collaborative offsets with an initial focus on environmental restoration offsets,” Mr Norman said.
“Like Powerlink, we have a long-term vision for a healthier environment built on foundations of dedication and trust.
“Together we want to develop leading practice around strategic environmental offsets and limit the impacts any action – such as renewable energy projects – might have on the environment.”
Featured image: NRM Regions Queensland CEO, Chris Norman (left) and Powerlink Executive General Manager of Network and Business Development, Stewart Bell (right). Image credit: Powerlink.
