Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House development proposal (DA Number 525.2024.56.1) submitted to the Bundaberg Regional Council by Iberdrola for the purpose of a Renewable Energy Battery Energy Storage facility located at Lot22 SP109996 Monduran Dam Road, Monduran 4671.

This project will introduce into the rural setting several risks, with the submitted DA not addressing or providing effective controls to the possible hazards. The project fails to:

• Consider safe traffic management; This BESS is planned to be built less than 100m from the Bruce Highway. If a fire were to occur, it would disrupt and lead to closure of the Bruce Highway, creating major supply chain issues.
• Properly address emergency response and the impacts that a fire within the batteries would create. This proposed facility is in a bushfire risk region, so any fire could easily spread beyond the installation, especially since the nearest fire appliance capable of dealing with this emergency situation is approximately 80km away.
• Consider the impact a catastrophic fire at this BESS (located 4km from one of the main irrigation systems of the Wide Bay) would have on the environment of the region, including the water supply, tourism and agriculture.
• Consider neighbouring landholders or assess a suitable safe distance from Gin Gin.
• Show effective erosion and sediment control.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to reject development proposal (DA Number 525.2024.56.1) by Iberdrola for the purpose of a Renewable Energy Battery Energy Storage facility located at Lot22 SP109996 Monduran Dam Road, Monduran 4671.