The visit follows RAPAD’s coordinated regional delegation to Texas in May 2024, where representatives explored how rural and regional communities have diversified their economies, attracted new investment, and secured local benefits through renewable energy development.
RAPAD in turn connected our community directly with our learnings by bringing a Texan delegation in-region which included hosting an Energy and Economic Futures Forum in Barcaldine in September 2024.
This year, the Texas delegation included the return visit of Rod Wetsel, Jake Lederle and Quentin Wetsel leading energy attorneys from Sweetwater, a region recognised for transforming its local economy through wind energy and associated infrastructure. Their visit to Queensland provided an opportunity for councils, landholders, businesses and government representatives to hear directly from communities that have already navigated the opportunities and challenges of large-scale renewable energy development.
For RAPAD, the visit was about ensuring communities are informed, prepared and positioned to benefit from future energy developments across Western Queensland.
RAPAD has been exploring renewable energy, transmission and regional economic development opportunities over recent years, including through the proposed RAPAD Power Grid in partnership with VisIR. The visit to Flinders Shire builds on that work and opens the door for shared benefits across neighbouring regions, including the CopperString corridor and the Central West.
CopperString is expected to be a gamechanger for the North West, unlocking new opportunities for industry, communities and investment. RAPAD sees this as complementary to the long-term opportunity being explored through the RAPAD Power Grid, which aims to position Central West Queensland as part of the state’s future energy supply infrastructure.
RAPAD’s involvement in the delegation, including meetings with elected representatives in Brisbane, reflects its commitment to ensuring renewable energy development delivers practical, long-term benefits for regional communities, businesses and landholders — not just project proponents.
As Queensland continues to consider the future of transmission, generation and regional development, RAPAD will continue to advocate for local communities to be well informed, involved early, and positioned to secure fair economic, social and community outcomes.
Find out more about the RAPAD Power Grid initiative at: www.rapadpowergrid.com.au
Image above, the delegation pictured at Parliament House in Brisbane, L-R: Morgan Gronold – RAPAD CEO, Cr Kate Peddle – Mayor Flinders Shire, Wayde Chiesa – Member for Hinchinbrook, Jake Lederle, Kylie Davis – CEO Flinders Shire, Quentin Wetsel, Rod Wetsel, Minister Dale Last, Sean Dillon – Member for Gregory, Rebecca Young – Assistant Minister to the Deputy Premier, David Janetzki – Queensland Treasurer, and Joseph O’Brien – VisIr CEO.