As we near the end of Q2 2026, May has been all about strengthening REP’s connections with the local community. Through event sponsorships and community information sessions, we’ve been able to share project updates, speak directly with residents and listen to valuable feedback.
Celebrating Community at the Festival of Outback Skies
Renewable Energy Partners was proud to once again support Hughenden’s Festival of Outback Skies in 2026. Our Land and Community Manager, Rebecca McLellan, spent a Saturday volunteering at the event while also taking the opportunity to connect with local community members, visitors, colleagues, and the Flinders Shire Council.
A standout moment of the weekend was the signature Dinner Under the Skies, where the spirit of the 1920s came to life. It was a fantastic evening beneath the stars and a wonderful celebration of Hughenden’s vibrant community.
We’re grateful to be part of such a special event and look forward to continuing our support in the years ahead.
REP Proudly Supports the Kooroorinya Races
REP was also proud to sponsor the Kooroorinya Races near Hughenden for the second time. Also known as the Oakley Amateur Picnic Races, this historic outback Queensland event brings the community together for a weekend of grass-fed picnic horse racing, fashions on the field, live entertainment and family-friendly activities.
The Kooroorinya Races continue to celebrate and preserve the traditions of bush racing, while providing an important social and cultural event for the Hughenden region. REP is pleased to support an event that reflects the spirit, heritage and community connection of regional Queensland.
Safety in Action
This month’s safety meeting brought our team together to review key HSEQ priorities and reinforce our commitment to a strong safety culture. Upcoming audits and reviews were aligned through the Project Compliance Assurance Schedule, and Hazard and Risk Assessment forms were checked to ensure emerging risks are captured in the Risk Register. Overall, the meeting focused on keeping our systems effective, compliant, and continuously improving across all projects.
The REP team recently completed a CPR refresher course to ensure all certifications remain current and up to date. This training forms an important part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining safe practices across the office, while travelling, and onsite.
Why Social Impact Assessments Matter
Some of the Chahpingah Wind Farm project team met with South Burnett Regional Council in mid-May to discuss how the project can work collaboratively with Council to manage local impacts and community expectations. Council emphasised the importance of early, direct engagement, a clear approach to cumulative impacts, and using a variety of communication methods to keep the community informed as planning progresses. Social Impact Assessment activities are an important way for us to understand how renewable energy projects may affect local people, businesses, services and community life. By listening early and often, we can identify potential impacts, respond to community concerns, and look for opportunities to deliver lasting local benefits. These activities help ensure community voices are considered in project planning and decision-making, so the project can be developed in a way that is informed, respectful and responsive to local needs.
Building Connections with the Community
In May, we attended a series of community engagement sessions for the Capricornia Pumped Hydro Project in Eungella, Nebo and Collinsville. The sessions brought together local residents ahead of the public display of the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) expected later this year.
These sessions were designed to help the community understand what to expect in the draft EIS and answer questions about the project, the assessment process and how people can participate in the formal submission process run by the Office of the Coordinator-General.
It was a valuable opportunity to share information early, answer questions, and support the community in preparing to take part in the formal feedback process.
Looking Ahead
May has reinforced the value of being present, accessible and connected in the communities where we work. As we continue progressing our projects, REP remains committed to engaging openly, supporting local events, and building trusted relationships across regional Queensland.
If you’d like to learn more or get in touch with the team, we’d welcome the conversation.