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Queensland act
What this Act does, in plain English
Mechanically, the Act creates a framework for planning, selecting, building and funding large electricity transmission projects in Queensland and for declaring specific land areas as "regional energy hubs" with tailored connection and access rules. It also: establishes a Job Security Guarantee Fund to support workers affected by changes to publicly owned coal-fired power stations; sets formal public-ownership targets for certain classes of energy assets; and creates a dedicated regime for the CopperString transmission project. (See: s3, s4, s13, pt 5, pt 6, pt 7, pt 8.)
The Act gives Ministers wide powers to identify projects in an "Energy System Outlook", to require Powerlink (the state transmission business) to assess candidate priority transmission investments, and ultimately to direct Powerlink to build particular priority transmission investments (the candidate → priority → declared path). Ministers and the Treasurer control key steps. (See: s15, s20, s22–s26.)
For declared regional energy hubs the Act allows the State to: declare geographic hub boundaries and approve a management plan; restrict who may apply to connect to the hub transmission network; prescribe processes and fees for connection; and recover hub-related costs from hub participants or, if necessary, through changes to regulated transmission charges (with AER interaction). This changes how the National Electricity Rules (NER) and AER processes will apply in those hub areas. (See: s38, s41–s43, s54–s57, s68–s74.)
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Direct links to the current provisions in Energy (Infrastructure Facilitation) Act 2024.
This Act may be cited as the Energy (Infrastructure Facilitation) Act 2024 . s 1 sub 2025 No. 30 s 5
This Act commences on a day to be fixed by proclamation.
The main purposes of this Act are— to increase the amount of electricity generated in Queensland in a way that is cost-effective, safe, secure and reliable; and to facilitate and support the efficient and coordinated augmentation of the national transmission grid in Queensland to accommodate the increased generation of electricity mentioned in paragraph (a) ; and to provide for support for workers in the energy industry and communities affected by the increased generation of electricity mentioned in paragraph (a) . s 3 sub 2025 No. 30 s 6
The main purposes of this Act mentioned in section 3 (a) and (b) are to be achieved primarily by providing a framework that includes— strategic infrastructure path objectives and ways to help achieve those objectives; and the identification and construction of priority transmission investments; and the development and operation of regional energy hubs and coordinated and streamlined connection and access to transmission networks for the hubs; and the facilitation and support of the delivery of the CopperString project. The main purpose of this Act mentioned in section 3 (c) is to be achieved primarily by establishing the Job Security Guarantee Fund, including for the purpose of implementing the job security guarantee. s 4 sub 2025 No. 30 s 6 (sec.4-ssec.1) The main purposes of this Act mentioned in section 3 (a) and (b) are to be achieved primarily by providing a framework that includes— strategic infrastructure path objectives and ways to help achieve those objectives; and the identification and construction of priority transmission investments; and the development and operation of regional energy hubs and coordinated and streamlined connection and access to transmission networks for the hubs; and the facilitation and support of the delivery of the CopperString project. (sec.4-ssec.2) The main purpose of this Act mentioned in section 3 (c) is to be achieved primarily by establishing the Job Security Guarantee Fund, including for the purpose of implementing the job security guarantee.
This Act binds all persons, including the State.
The dictionary in schedule 1 defines particular words used in this Act.
The strategic infrastructure path is— the significant electricity infrastructure projects, including sequencing and timing of delivery of the projects, identified in the system outlook under section 15 (2) (a) ; and any project that is an eligible priority transmission investment if section 20 (2) (b) applies in relation to the project; and any hub transmission network for a regional energy hub not mentioned in the system outlook. s 7 amd 2025 No. 30 s 7
The strategic infrastructure path objectives are the following objectives— the long-term minimisation of the cost of electricity for Queensland consumers; the provision of a safe, secure and reliable supply of electricity to Queensland consumers; the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from the generation of electricity in Queensland. s 8 sub 2025 No. 30 s 8
s 9 om 2025 No. 30 s 9
s 10 om 2025 No. 30 s 9
s 11 om 2025 No. 30 s 9
s 12 om 2025 No. 30 s 9
Each of the following is a public ownership target for a class of energy asset— that 100% of public ownership of generation assets publicly owned and in operation on the commencement of this subsection, and that continue in operation, is maintained; that public ownership of transmission and distribution assets is 100%; that public ownership of deep storage assets is 100%. The Minister must prepare a report about whether each public ownership target is being achieved— on 31 May 2027; and at further intervals of 2 years. The report must— include a description of how the percentage of publicly owned assets for each class of energy assets is worked out; and be published on the department’s website. In this section— class of energy assets means the following classes of assets in Queensland— generation assets; transmission and distribution assets; deep storage assets. deep storage assets means assets for pumped hydro energy storage that are— capable of generating at least 1,500MW for 24 hours; and prescribed by regulation. generation assets means assets that constitute a generating system for which a person is registered as a generator or intermediary under the National Electricity Rules, other than the following— assets that are— predominantly used to generate electricity for conversion to a form of energy suitable for export; and prescribed by regulation; a generating system with a nameplate rating of less than 30MW; a generating system comprised of generating units with a combined nameplate rating of less than 30MW; an asset used for pumped hydro energy storage, including a deep storage asset; another asset that directly or indirectly uses electricity to create a stored source of energy that may later be converted by the generating system to electricity. public ownership , in relation to a class of energy assets, means— ownership, whether wholly or partly, of assets of the class by the State; or if the State directly or indirectly holds a right or interest in another entity that owns assets of the class—ownership, whether wholly or partly, of the assets by the other entity. transmission and distribution assets means assets that constitute the following, other than an asset excluded from this definition by regulation— a transmission system that is regulated by a transmission determination; a distribution system under the National Electricity (Queensland) Law that is regulated by a distribution determination under that Law; the hub transmission network for a regional energy hub. s 13 amd 2025 No. 30 s 10 (sec.13-ssec.1) Each of the following is a public ownership target for a class of energy asset— that 100% of public ownership of generation assets publicly owned and in operation on the commencement of this subsection, and that continue in operation, is maintained; that public ownership of transmission and distribution assets is 100%; that public ownership of deep storage assets is 100%. (sec.13-ssec.2) The Minister must prepare a report about whether each public ownership target is being achieved— on 31 May 2027; and at further intervals of 2 years. (sec.13-ssec.3) The report must— include a description of how the percentage of publicly owned assets for each class of energy assets is worked out; and be published on the department’s website. (sec.13-ssec.4) In this section— class of energy assets means the following classes of assets in Queensland— generation assets; transmission and distribution assets; deep storage assets. deep storage assets means assets for pumped hydro energy storage that are— capable of generating at least 1,500MW for 24 hours; and prescribed by regulation. generation assets means assets that constitute a generating system for which a person is registered as a generator or intermediary under the National Electricity Rules, other than the following— assets that are— predominantly used to generate electricity for conversion to a form of energy suitable for export; and prescribed by regulation; a generating system with a nameplate rating of less than 30MW; a generating system comprised of generating units with a combined nameplate rating of less than 30MW; an asset used for pumped hydro energy storage, including a deep storage asset; another asset that directly or indirectly uses electricity to create a stored source of energy that may later be converted by the generating system to electricity. public ownership , in relation to a class of energy assets, means— ownership, whether wholly or partly, of assets of the class by the State; or if the State directly or indirectly holds a right or interest in another entity that owns assets of the class—ownership, whether wholly or partly, of the assets by the other entity. transmission and distribution assets means assets that constitute the following, other than an asset excluded from this definition by regulation— a transmission system that is regulated by a transmission determination; a distribution system under the National Electricity (Queensland) Law that is regulated by a distribution determination under that Law; the hub transmission network for a regional energy hub.
s 14 om 2025 No. 30 s 11
The Minister must make a document called the ‘Energy System Outlook’ (the system outlook ) which may be part of another document. The system outlook must— identify the particular significant electricity infrastructure projects, including the sequencing and timing of delivery of the projects, that each help to meet the strategic infrastructure path objectives; and priority transmission investments hub transmission networks for regional energy hubs large scale energy storage describe how the electricity infrastructure projects mentioned in paragraph (a) each help to meet the strategic infrastructure path objectives; and identify parts of Queensland regions that are possibly suitable to be regional energy hubs; and include any other matter prescribed by regulation. The system outlook may also include— an estimate of the operating life of each publicly owned coal-fired power station; and estimates, at intervals the Minister considers appropriate, of matters relating to the capacity of energy infrastructure that are required to achieve the strategic infrastructure path objectives; and the total nameplate rating of generating systems in Queensland that are capable of producing electricity the total capacity of infrastructure connected to transmission systems in Queensland to generate electricity on demand the total capacity for storage of energy in a form capable of being converted to electricity in Queensland the total capacity of devices that generate electricity that are owned by Queensland consumers any other matter the Minister considers relevant to achieving— the strategic infrastructure path objectives; or the purposes of this Act. The system outlook takes effect only if it has been approved by regulation. The Minister must publish the system outlook on the department’s website. s 15 amd 2025 No. 30 s 13 (sec.15-ssec.1) The Minister must make a document called the ‘Energy System Outlook’ (the system outlook ) which may be part of another document. (sec.15-ssec.2) The system outlook must— identify the particular significant electricity infrastructure projects, including the sequencing and timing of delivery of the projects, that each help to meet the strategic infrastructure path objectives; and priority transmission investments hub transmission networks for regional energy hubs large scale energy storage describe how the electricity infrastructure projects mentioned in paragraph (a) each help to meet the strategic infrastructure path objectives; and identify parts of Queensland regions that are possibly suitable to be regional energy hubs; and include any other matter prescribed by regulation. (sec.15-ssec.3) The system outlook may also include— an estimate of the operating life of each publicly owned coal-fired power station; and estimates, at intervals the Minister considers appropriate, of matters relating to the capacity of energy infrastructure that are required to achieve the strategic infrastructure path objectives; and the total nameplate rating of generating systems in Queensland that are capable of producing electricity the total capacity of infrastructure connected to transmission systems in Queensland to generate electricity on demand the total capacity for storage of energy in a form capable of being converted to electricity in Queensland the total capacity of devices that generate electricity that are owned by Queensland consumers any other matter the Minister considers relevant to achieving— the strategic infrastructure path objectives; or the purposes of this Act. (sec.15-ssec.4) The system outlook takes effect only if it has been approved by regulation. (sec.15-ssec.5) The Minister must publish the system outlook on the department’s website.
The Minister must review the system outlook— by 31 May 2027; and at further intervals of 2 years. However, subsection (1) does not prevent the Minister from reviewing the system outlook or a part of the system outlook at any time. In reviewing the system outlook or a part of the system outlook, the Minister must have regard to the following matters— the Integrated System Plan; the strategic infrastructure path objectives; the purposes of this Act; the policies of the State in relation to energy or electricity; any other matter prescribed by regulation. After reviewing the system outlook or a part of the system outlook, the Minister may make a replacement system outlook. A replacement system outlook must include a summary of the difference between the content of the replacement system outlook and the system outlook in effect immediately before the replacement system outlook takes effect. Section 15 (2) to (5) applies in relation to the making and approval of the replacement system outlook. s 16 amd 2025 No. 30 s 14 (sec.16-ssec.1) The Minister must review the system outlook— by 31 May 2027; and at further intervals of 2 years. (sec.16-ssec.2) However, subsection (1) does not prevent the Minister from reviewing the system outlook or a part of the system outlook at any time. (sec.16-ssec.3) In reviewing the system outlook or a part of the system outlook, the Minister must have regard to the following matters— the Integrated System Plan; the strategic infrastructure path objectives; the purposes of this Act; the policies of the State in relation to energy or electricity; any other matter prescribed by regulation. (sec.16-ssec.4) After reviewing the system outlook or a part of the system outlook, the Minister may make a replacement system outlook. (sec.16-ssec.5) A replacement system outlook must include a summary of the difference between the content of the replacement system outlook and the system outlook in effect immediately before the replacement system outlook takes effect. (sec.16-ssec.6) Section 15 (2) to (5) applies in relation to the making and approval of the replacement system outlook.
The purpose of this part is— to facilitate the identification and construction of priority transmission investments; and to make provision for financial matters associated with the investments.
In this part— assessment documents means documents declared by regulation to be assessment documents. candidate priority transmission investment means an eligible priority transmission investment declared to be a candidate priority transmission investment under section 24(1) . s 18 def candidate priority transmission investment amd 2025 No. 30 s 15 (1) eligible priority transmission investment means a project prescribed as an eligible priority transmission investment under section 20 (1) . identified need , for an eligible priority transmission investment, candidate priority transmission investment or priority transmission investment, means the objective the investment is intended to achieve. s 18 def identified need amd 2025 No. 30 s 15 (2) priority transmission investment see section 26 (2) .
In this part, a reference to construction of an eligible priority transmission investment, candidate priority transmission investment or priority transmission investment is a reference to the construction, testing and commissioning of the infrastructure that is the subject of the investment. s 19 amd 2025 No. 30 s 16
A regulation may prescribe a project as an eligible priority transmission investment. The Minister may recommend to the Governor in Council the making of a regulation under subsection (1) prescribing a project as an eligible priority transmission investment only if the Minister is satisfied that— the project is identified in the system outlook as part of the strategic infrastructure path; or if paragraph (a) does not apply— since the Minister made the system outlook under section 15 (1) , or last reviewed the system outlook under section 16 , the Minister has become aware of information about changes in the likely production or storage of, or demand for, electricity in Queensland or a part of Queensland; and the Minister is satisfied that, had the Minister been aware of the information when making or reviewing the system outlook, the Minister would have included the project in the system outlook and identified the project as part of the strategic infrastructure path. In this section— project means a project for— the construction of infrastructure that transmits electricity and associated plant and equipment; and the acquisition of land associated with that construction. s 20 amd 2025 No. 30 s 17 (sec.20-ssec.1) A regulation may prescribe a project as an eligible priority transmission investment. (sec.20-ssec.2) The Minister may recommend to the Governor in Council the making of a regulation under subsection (1) prescribing a project as an eligible priority transmission investment only if the Minister is satisfied that— the project is identified in the system outlook as part of the strategic infrastructure path; or if paragraph (a) does not apply— since the Minister made the system outlook under section 15 (1) , or last reviewed the system outlook under section 16 , the Minister has become aware of information about changes in the likely production or storage of, or demand for, electricity in Queensland or a part of Queensland; and the Minister is satisfied that, had the Minister been aware of the information when making or reviewing the system outlook, the Minister would have included the project in the system outlook and identified the project as part of the strategic infrastructure path. (sec.20-ssec.3) In this section— project means a project for— the construction of infrastructure that transmits electricity and associated plant and equipment; and the acquisition of land associated with that construction.
s 21 om 2025 No. 30 s 18
This section applies if the Minister proposes to make a declaration and give a direction under section 24 for an eligible priority transmission investment. Before making the declaration, the Minister must consult with Powerlink and a suitably qualified person about the proposed direction, including— the matters the direction may, or must, state under section 24 ; and any other matter the Minister considers appropriate. Without limiting subsection (2) , the Minister must consult with Powerlink about— the identified need for the eligible priority transmission investment; and the anticipated date for commencing construction of the investment; and the anticipated date for completion of construction of the investment; and the appropriate assessment documents for assessing the investment; and the minimum modifications to the assessment documents likely to be necessary or appropriate for the investment. Also, without limiting subsection (2) , after consulting with Powerlink about the matters mentioned in subsection (3) , the Minister must consult a suitably qualified person about— whether the identified need for the eligible priority transmission investment proposed by Powerlink or the Minister has been sufficiently described; and whether the assessment documents recommended by Powerlink or the Minister are appropriate; and in relation to any modifications to the assessment documents recommended by Powerlink or the Minister, whether— the modifications are appropriate; and the modifications are as minimal as is practical. In consulting with a suitably qualified person about a matter under subsection (2) , (3) or (4) , the Minister is not limited by the matters the Minister consults with Powerlink about under this section. s 22 sub 2025 No. 30 s 19 (sec.22-ssec.1) This section applies if the Minister proposes to make a declaration and give a direction under section 24 for an eligible priority transmission investment. (sec.22-ssec.2) Before making the declaration, the Minister must consult with Powerlink and a suitably qualified person about the proposed direction, including— the matters the direction may, or must, state under section 24 ; and any other matter the Minister considers appropriate. (sec.22-ssec.3) Without limiting subsection (2) , the Minister must consult with Powerlink about— the identified need for the eligible priority transmission investment; and the anticipated date for commencing construction of the investment; and the anticipated date for completion of construction of the investment; and the appropriate assessment documents for assessing the investment; and the minimum modifications to the assessment documents likely to be necessary or appropriate for the investment. (sec.22-ssec.4) Also, without limiting subsection (2) , after consulting with Powerlink about the matters mentioned in subsection (3) , the Minister must consult a suitably qualified person about— whether the identified need for the eligible priority transmission investment proposed by Powerlink or the Minister has been sufficiently described; and whether the assessment documents recommended by Powerlink or the Minister are appropriate; and in relation to any modifications to the assessment documents recommended by Powerlink or the Minister, whether— the modifications are appropriate; and the modifications are as minimal as is practical. (sec.22-ssec.5) In consulting with a suitably qualified person about a matter under subsection (2) , (3) or (4) , the Minister is not limited by the matters the Minister consults with Powerlink about under this section.
s 23 om 2025 No. 30 s 19
If, after consulting with Powerlink and a suitably qualified person under section 22 , the Minister decides that an eligible priority transmission investment should be assessed by Powerlink, the Minister may, by written notice given to Powerlink, declare the investment to be a candidate priority transmission investment. If the Minister makes a declaration under subsection (1) , the Minister must immediately direct Powerlink to— assess the candidate priority transmission investment; and following the assessment, give a report to the Minister stating— each option considered by Powerlink to address the identified need for the investment; and the option to address the identified need for the investment that, in Powerlink’s opinion, maximises the net economic benefit associated with the investment consistent with— the achievement of the identified need; and the anticipated date for completion of construction of the investment stated by the Minister in the direction; and any other matter the Minister directs Powerlink to include in the report. For subsection (2) (b) (ii) , the option identified by Powerlink may have a negative net economic benefit. A direction under this section must state— the assessment documents, modified by the Minister as stated in the direction, to be used by Powerlink to assess the candidate priority transmission investment; and an identified need for the investment decided by the Minister; and the date by which the report must be given to the Minister. For subsection (4) (a) , the modifications of the assessment documents must be the modifications the Minister considers are appropriate and are as minimal as is practical. s 24 amd 2025 No. 30 s 20 (sec.24-ssec.1) If, after consulting with Powerlink and a suitably qualified person under section 22 , the Minister decides that an eligible priority transmission investment should be assessed by Powerlink, the Minister may, by written notice given to Powerlink, declare the investment to be a candidate priority transmission investment. (sec.24-ssec.2) If the Minister makes a declaration under subsection (1) , the Minister must immediately direct Powerlink to— assess the candidate priority transmission investment; and following the assessment, give a report to the Minister stating— each option considered by Powerlink to address the identified need for the investment; and the option to address the identified need for the investment that, in Powerlink’s opinion, maximises the net economic benefit associated with the investment consistent with— the achievement of the identified need; and the anticipated date for completion of construction of the investment stated by the Minister in the direction; and any other matter the Minister directs Powerlink to include in the report. (sec.24-ssec.3) For subsection (2) (b) (ii) , the option identified by Powerlink may have a negative net economic benefit. (sec.24-ssec.4) A direction under this section must state— the assessment documents, modified by the Minister as stated in the direction, to be used by Powerlink to assess the candidate priority transmission investment; and an identified need for the investment decided by the Minister; and the date by which the report must be given to the Minister. (sec.24-ssec.5) For subsection (4) (a) , the modifications of the assessment documents must be the modifications the Minister considers are appropriate and are as minimal as is practical.
If the Minister receives a report from Powerlink under section 24 (2) (b) about a candidate priority transmission investment, the Minister must seek advice on the report from a suitably qualified person. The advice the Minister must seek is— whether Powerlink has assessed the candidate priority transmission investment in accordance with the direction given about the investment under section 24 ; and whether the expenditure on the investment proposed, or already made, by Powerlink is the expenditure that would be required by an efficient and prudent operator in Powerlink’s circumstances. The Minister may also seek advice from a suitably qualified person about any other matter relevant to whether a declaration should be made for the candidate priority transmission investment under section 26 . A request for advice under subsection (2) or (3) must state the date by which the advice must be given to the Minister. If the Minister seeks advice from a suitably qualified person under this section, the suitably qualified person may ask Powerlink for any information the person reasonably requires to give their advice. Powerlink must, within a reasonable time, give the requested information to the suitably qualified person. If, following receipt of the advice, the Minister considers Powerlink has not assessed the candidate priority transmission investment as directed, the Minister may direct Powerlink to provide a replacement report under section 24 (2) (b) that addresses the matters stated in the direction. Subsections (1) to (7) apply in relation to the replacement report the subject of the direction under subsection (7) as if the replacement report were a report received under section 24 (2) (b) . s 25 amd 2025 No. 30 s 21 (sec.25-ssec.1) If the Minister receives a report from Powerlink under section 24 (2) (b) about a candidate priority transmission investment, the Minister must seek advice on the report from a suitably qualified person. (sec.25-ssec.2) The advice the Minister must seek is— whether Powerlink has assessed the candidate priority transmission investment in accordance with the direction given about the investment under section 24 ; and whether the expenditure on the investment proposed, or already made, by Powerlink is the expenditure that would be required by an efficient and prudent operator in Powerlink’s circumstances. (sec.25-ssec.3) The Minister may also seek advice from a suitably qualified person about any other matter relevant to whether a declaration should be made for the candidate priority transmission investment under section 26 . (sec.25-ssec.4) A request for advice under subsection (2) or (3) must state the date by which the advice must be given to the Minister. (sec.25-ssec.5) If the Minister seeks advice from a suitably qualified person under this section, the suitably qualified person may ask Powerlink for any information the person reasonably requires to give their advice. (sec.25-ssec.6) Powerlink must, within a reasonable time, give the requested information to the suitably qualified person. (sec.25-ssec.7) If, following receipt of the advice, the Minister considers Powerlink has not assessed the candidate priority transmission investment as directed, the Minister may direct Powerlink to provide a replacement report under section 24 (2) (b) that addresses the matters stated in the direction. (sec.25-ssec.8) Subsections (1) to (7) apply in relation to the replacement report the subject of the direction under subsection (7) as if the replacement report were a report received under section 24 (2) (b) .
Before a declaration is made under section 26 in relation to a candidate priority transmission investment, the Minister may request further information from Powerlink about— the report given by Powerlink under section 24 (2) (b) ; or any other matter relevant to the making of a declaration, and giving of a direction, for the investment under section 26 . The request must state the date by which the information must be given to the Minister. Powerlink must comply with the request. s 25A ins 2025 No. 30 s 22 (sec.25A-ssec.1) Before a declaration is made under section 26 in relation to a candidate priority transmission investment, the Minister may request further information from Powerlink about— the report given by Powerlink under section 24 (2) (b) ; or any other matter relevant to the making of a declaration, and giving of a direction, for the investment under section 26 . (sec.25A-ssec.2) The request must state the date by which the information must be given to the Minister. (sec.25A-ssec.3) Powerlink must comply with the request.
This section applies if the responsible Ministers are satisfied— Powerlink has assessed a candidate priority transmission investment as directed under section 24 ; and it would be appropriate to construct the investment to address the identified need for the investment, as decided by the Minister in the direction given under section 24 (4) (b) , having regard to the following matters— the report given to the Minister by Powerlink for the investment under section 24 ; advice given to the Minister by a suitably qualified person for the investment under section 25 ; any further information given to the Minister by Powerlink under section 25A . The responsible Ministers may declare the candidate priority transmission investment to be a priority transmission investment to be constructed as directed under this section. The Minister must notify the making of the declaration in the gazette and publish the declaration on the department’s website. As soon as practicable after making the declaration, the responsible Ministers must direct Powerlink to construct the priority transmission investment. The direction must— state an option to address the identified need for the priority transmission investment; and require Powerlink to construct the investment using the option stated under paragraph (a) ; and state the anticipated date decided by the responsible Ministers by which Powerlink will commence construction of the investment; and state the anticipated date for completion of construction of the investment decided by the responsible Ministers. The stated option to address the identified need for the investment mentioned in subsection (5) (a) must be the same as the option proposed by Powerlink in the report given to the Minister under section 24 (2) (b) (ii) , unless— the Minister has requested further information in relation to the option under section 25A ; and having regard to the matters stated in subsection (1) , the responsible Ministers consider it would be appropriate to vary the option proposed by Powerlink under section 24 (2) (b) (ii) . Powerlink must take all reasonable steps to— commence construction of the priority transmission investment using the option to address the identified need stated in the direction by the anticipated date mentioned in subsection (5) (c) ; and complete construction of the investment by the anticipated date mentioned in subsection (5) (d) . If there is an inconsistency between subsection (7) and section 30 (1) , subsection (7) prevails to the extent of the inconsistency. To remove any doubt, it is declared that Powerlink is not prevented from designing the infrastructure the subject of the priority transmission investment, or acquiring land associated with construction of the investment, before the investment is declared under subsection (2) or a direction is given in relation to the investment under subsection (4) . s 26 sub 2025 No. 30 s 23 (sec.26-ssec.1) This section applies if the responsible Ministers are satisfied— Powerlink has assessed a candidate priority transmission investment as directed under section 24 ; and it would be appropriate to construct the investment to address the identified need for the investment, as decided by the Minister in the direction given under section 24 (4) (b) , having regard to the following matters— the report given to the Minister by Powerlink for the investment under section 24 ; advice given to the Minister by a suitably qualified person for the investment under section 25 ; any further information given to the Minister by Powerlink under section 25A . (sec.26-ssec.2) The responsible Ministers may declare the candidate priority transmission investment to be a priority transmission investment to be constructed as directed under this section. (sec.26-ssec.3) The Minister must notify the making of the declaration in the gazette and publish the declaration on the department’s website. (sec.26-ssec.4) As soon as practicable after making the declaration, the responsible Ministers must direct Powerlink to construct the priority transmission investment. (sec.26-ssec.5) The direction must— state an option to address the identified need for the priority transmission investment; and require Powerlink to construct the investment using the option stated under paragraph (a) ; and state the anticipated date decided by the responsible Ministers by which Powerlink will commence construction of the investment; and state the anticipated date for completion of construction of the investment decided by the responsible Ministers. (sec.26-ssec.6) The stated option to address the identified need for the investment mentioned in subsection (5) (a) must be the same as the option proposed by Powerlink in the report given to the Minister under section 24 (2) (b) (ii) , unless— the Minister has requested further information in relation to the option under section 25A ; and having regard to the matters stated in subsection (1) , the responsible Ministers consider it would be appropriate to vary the option proposed by Powerlink under section 24 (2) (b) (ii) . (sec.26-ssec.7) Powerlink must take all reasonable steps to— commence construction of the priority transmission investment using the option to address the identified need stated in the direction by the anticipated date mentioned in subsection (5) (c) ; and complete construction of the investment by the anticipated date mentioned in subsection (5) (d) . (sec.26-ssec.8) If there is an inconsistency between subsection (7) and section 30 (1) , subsection (7) prevails to the extent of the inconsistency. (sec.26-ssec.9) To remove any doubt, it is declared that Powerlink is not prevented from designing the infrastructure the subject of the priority transmission investment, or acquiring land associated with construction of the investment, before the investment is declared under subsection (2) or a direction is given in relation to the investment under subsection (4) .
s 27 om 2025 No. 30 s 24
A regulation may— require Powerlink to include particular amounts associated with a priority transmission investment in a revenue proposal by Powerlink; or enable the responsible Ministers to direct Powerlink to— apply to the AER for the AER to amend Powerlink’s revenue determination to account for a priority transmission investment; or include particular amounts associated with a priority transmission investment in a revenue proposal by Powerlink; or apply to the AER for the AER to adjust the value of Powerlink’s regulatory asset base by particular amounts to account for a priority transmission investment; or require Powerlink to give information about a priority transmission investment, candidate priority transmission investment or eligible priority transmission investment to a particular entity, including the AER, for the purposes of an application or revenue proposal made acting under— a requirement under paragraph (a) ; or a direction mentioned in paragraph (b) ; or provide for particular action to be taken by the AER in relation to Powerlink’s revenue determination, regulatory asset base or revenue proposal if Powerlink acts under— a requirement under paragraph (a) ; or a direction mentioned in paragraph (b) . In subsection (1) (a) and (b) (ii) , a reference to particular amounts associated with a priority transmission investment includes a reference to expenditure on the investment, whether before or after the commencement, while the investment is in the form of— a candidate priority transmission investment; or an eligible priority transmission investment; or a project that is later prescribed under section 20 as an eligible priority transmission investment. In subsection (1) (b) (i) and (iii) , a reference to accounting for a priority transmission investment includes a reference to accounting for expenditure on the investment, whether before or after the commencement, while the investment was in a form mentioned in subsection (2) (a) , (b) or (c) . In this section— revenue determination has the meaning given by the National Electricity Rules. s 28 amd 2025 No. 31 s 73 sch 1 (sec.28-ssec.1) A regulation may— require Powerlink to include particular amounts associated with a priority transmission investment in a revenue proposal by Powerlink; or enable the responsible Ministers to direct Powerlink to— apply to the AER for the AER to amend Powerlink’s revenue determination to account for a priority transmission investment; or include particular amounts associated with a priority transmission investment in a revenue proposal by Powerlink; or apply to the AER for the AER to adjust the value of Powerlink’s regulatory asset base by particular amounts to account for a priority transmission investment; or require Powerlink to give information about a priority transmission investment, candidate priority transmission investment or eligible priority transmission investment to a particular entity, including the AER, for the purposes of an application or revenue proposal made acting under— a requirement under paragraph (a) ; or a direction mentioned in paragraph (b) ; or provide for particular action to be taken by the AER in relation to Powerlink’s revenue determination, regulatory asset base or revenue proposal if Powerlink acts under— a requirement under paragraph (a) ; or a direction mentioned in paragraph (b) . (sec.28-ssec.2) In subsection (1) (a) and (b) (ii) , a reference to particular amounts associated with a priority transmission investment includes a reference to expenditure on the investment, whether before or after the commencement, while the investment is in the form of— a candidate priority transmission investment; or an eligible priority transmission investment; or a project that is later prescribed under section 20 as an eligible priority transmission investment. (sec.28-ssec.3) In subsection (1) (b) (i) and (iii) , a reference to accounting for a priority transmission investment includes a reference to accounting for expenditure on the investment, whether before or after the commencement, while the investment was in a form mentioned in subsection (2) (a) , (b) or (c) . (sec.28-ssec.4) In this section— revenue determination has the meaning given by the National Electricity Rules.
The Minister may approve guidelines ( PTI guidelines ) for directing Powerlink, or consulting with or seeking advice from a suitably qualified person, under this part. If the Minister is not the Treasurer, the Minister must, before approving the guidelines under subsection (1) , consult with the Treasurer about any guidelines relating to the Treasurer. The Minister must notify the making of the PTI guidelines in the gazette. The PTI guidelines take effect on the later of the following days— the day the making of the guidelines is notified in the gazette; the day the guidelines state they are to take effect. The Minister must publish the PTI guidelines on the department’s website. The following things must be done in accordance with the PTI guidelines— the giving of a direction to Powerlink under this part, including under a regulation made under section 28 ; consultation with, or the making of a request for advice from, a suitably qualified person under this part. s 29 amd 2025 No. 30 s 25 (sec.29-ssec.1) The Minister may approve guidelines ( PTI guidelines ) for directing Powerlink, or consulting with or seeking advice from a suitably qualified person, under this part. (sec.29-ssec.2) If the Minister is not the Treasurer, the Minister must, before approving the guidelines under subsection (1) , consult with the Treasurer about any guidelines relating to the Treasurer. (sec.29-ssec.3) The Minister must notify the making of the PTI guidelines in the gazette. (sec.29-ssec.4) The PTI guidelines take effect on the later of the following days— the day the making of the guidelines is notified in the gazette; the day the guidelines state they are to take effect. (sec.29-ssec.5) The Minister must publish the PTI guidelines on the department’s website. (sec.29-ssec.6) The following things must be done in accordance with the PTI guidelines— the giving of a direction to Powerlink under this part, including under a regulation made under section 28 ; consultation with, or the making of a request for advice from, a suitably qualified person under this part.
Powerlink must comply with a direction given to it by the Minister or responsible Ministers under this part. An act or decision of Powerlink’s board in purported implementation of a direction mentioned in subsection (1) is not invalid merely because of a failure to comply with the direction. s 30 amd 2025 No. 30 s 26 (sec.30-ssec.1) Powerlink must comply with a direction given to it by the Minister or responsible Ministers under this part. (sec.30-ssec.2) An act or decision of Powerlink’s board in purported implementation of a direction mentioned in subsection (1) is not invalid merely because of a failure to comply with the direction.
A suitably qualified person who is given information by Powerlink under this part may disclose the information to the Minister or, if the Minister is not the Treasurer, the Minister or Treasurer. See also the confidentiality requirement under section 173 . s 31 amd 2025 No. 30 s 27
Nothing in this part limits the ability of the Minister or, if the Minister is not the Treasurer, the Minister or Treasurer, to seek the advice of another person about a matter under this part. The Minister or, if the Minister is not the Treasurer, the Minister or Treasurer, may disclose advice received under this part to Powerlink. s 32 amd 2025 No. 30 s 28 (sec.32-ssec.1) Nothing in this part limits the ability of the Minister or, if the Minister is not the Treasurer, the Minister or Treasurer, to seek the advice of another person about a matter under this part. (sec.32-ssec.2) The Minister or, if the Minister is not the Treasurer, the Minister or Treasurer, may disclose advice received under this part to Powerlink.
It is the intention of Parliament that this part applies despite anything stated in the national electricity laws. It is also the intention of Parliament that the national electricity laws continue to apply in relation to a priority transmission investment to the extent the national electricity laws are not inconsistent with this part. Subsection (4) applies in relation to a provision of this part, or a regulation under a provision of this part, that provides for a matter relating to a priority transmission investment to which the national electricity laws apply or would otherwise apply. A regulation— may provide for the application of a provision of the national electricity laws (a national provision ) in relation to the priority transmission investment; and for that purpose, may— provide that a national provision does not apply in relation to a matter or applies in relation to a matter with stated modifications; and state how other provisions of the national electricity laws apply in relation to a matter having regard to a national provision not applying or applying with stated modifications in relation to the matter. In this section, a reference to a priority transmission investment includes a reference to an eligible priority transmission investment or a candidate priority transmission investment. (sec.33-ssec.1) It is the intention of Parliament that this part applies despite anything stated in the national electricity laws. (sec.33-ssec.2) It is also the intention of Parliament that the national electricity laws continue to apply in relation to a priority transmission investment to the extent the national electricity laws are not inconsistent with this part. (sec.33-ssec.3) Subsection (4) applies in relation to a provision of this part, or a regulation under a provision of this part, that provides for a matter relating to a priority transmission investment to which the national electricity laws apply or would otherwise apply. (sec.33-ssec.4) A regulation— may provide for the application of a provision of the national electricity laws (a national provision ) in relation to the priority transmission investment; and for that purpose, may— provide that a national provision does not apply in relation to a matter or applies in relation to a matter with stated modifications; and state how other provisions of the national electricity laws apply in relation to a matter having regard to a national provision not applying or applying with stated modifications in relation to the matter. (sec.33-ssec.5) In this section, a reference to a priority transmission investment includes a reference to an eligible priority transmission investment or a candidate priority transmission investment.
s 34 om 2025 No. 30 s 29
The purposes of this part are— to provide for suitable parts of Queensland regions to be declared to be regional energy hubs; and to ensure relevant matters are taken into account in the declaration of regional energy hubs, including, for example, the impact of the declaration on Queensland communities; and to provide for coordinated and streamlined connection and access to transmission networks in regional energy hubs by regulating connection and access to— the transmission networks; and transmission assets that materially affect, or are likely to materially affect, the capacity or functioning of the transmission networks; and to facilitate and support the development and operation of transmission networks in regional energy hubs, including by providing for the recovery of costs associated with the provision of the transmission networks. s 35 amd 2025 No. 30 s 31
In this part— connection agreement has the meaning given by the National Electricity Rules. hub controlled assets , for a regional energy hub, means transmission assets that— materially affect, or are likely to materially affect, the capacity or functioning of the hub transmission network for the hub; and are outside the hub or inside the hub but not part of the hub transmission network for the hub; and are identified in the hub declaration for the hub as hub controlled assets for the hub. s 36 def hub controlled assets ins 2025 No. 30 s 32 (2) hub declaration means the regulation under section 38 declaring a part of a Queensland region to be a regional energy hub. s 36 def hub declaration ins 2025 No. 30 s 32 (2) hub design body — generally, means an entity appointed to be a hub design body under section 75 ; and in relation to a particular regional energy hub, means the hub design body that recommended the hub be declared. s 36 def hub design body ins 2025 No. 30 s 32 (2) hub transmission network , for a regional energy hub, means the transmission network, or a part of a transmission network, that is— in the hub; and identified in the hub declaration for the hub as the hub transmission network for the hub. s 36 def hub transmission network ins 2025 No. 30 s 32 (2) management plan , for a regional energy hub, means a management plan for the hub approved under section 47 . s 36 def management plan sub 2025 No. 30 s 32 (1) – (2) participant , for a regional energy hub, means an entity that has entered into a connection agreement for connection and access to the hub transmission network for the hub with the transmission network service provider. s 36 def participant sub 2025 No. 30 s 32 (1) – (2) regional energy hub means a part of a Queensland region that is declared under section 38 to be a regional energy hub. s 36 def regional energy hub ins 2025 No. 30 s 32 (2) regulate , in relation to connection and access to the hub transmission network or hub controlled assets for a regional energy hub, means authorise, prohibit, restrict or otherwise regulate. s 36 def regulate sub 2025 No. 30 s 32 (1) – (2) relevant transmission network service provider , for hub controlled assets for a regional energy hub, means the transmission network service provider for the transmission system of which the hub controlled assets are a component. s 36 def relevant transmission network service provider sub 2025 No. 30 s 32 (1) – (2) renewable energy zone or REZ ... s 36 def renewable energy zone or REZ om 2025 No. 30 s 32 (1) REZ assessment ... s 36 def REZ assessment om 2025 No. 30 s 32 (1) REZ controlled assets ... s 36 def REZ controlled assets om 2025 No. 30 s 32 (1) REZ declaration ... s 36 def REZ declaration om 2025 No. 30 s 32 (1) REZ delivery body ... s 36 def REZ delivery body om 2025 No. 30 s 32 (1) REZ transmission network ... s 36 def REZ transmission network om 2025 No. 30 s 32 (1) transmission asset ... s 36 def transmission asset om 2025 No. 30 s 32 (1) transmission network service provider — generally, means a Transmission Network Service Provider under the National Electricity Rules; and in relation to a particular regional energy hub, means Powerlink in its capacity as the Transmission Network Service Provider for the hub transmission network for the hub. s 36 def transmission network service provider amd 2025 No. 30 s 32 (3)
In this part, the terms connection and access, in relation to a transmission network or transmission assets, have the same meaning as they have in the National Electricity Rules.
A regulation may declare a part of a Queensland region to be a regional energy hub. The Minister may recommend to the Governor in Council the making of a regulation under subsection (1) — if the Minister is not the Treasurer, only with the Treasurer’s approval; and only if a hub design body has recommended the part of the Queensland region be declared to be a regional energy hub and the Minister is satisfied— the part of the region is suitable to be a regional energy hub; and the declaration will help achieve the purposes of this Act mentioned in section 3 (a) and (b) . See also section 40 for matters to which the Minister and the Treasurer must have regard when performing a function under this division. A regulation under subsection (1) must— identify— the Queensland region in which the regional energy hub is located; and the geographic boundary of the regional energy hub; and state the objectives of the regional energy hub; and identify— the management plan for the regional energy hub; and Under section 47 (3) , the Minister must keep a copy of the management plan available on the department’s website. the existing or proposed transmission network, or the part of an existing or proposed transmission network, that is the hub transmission network for the regional energy hub; and the existing or proposed transmission assets that are hub controlled assets for the regional energy hub; and state the term of the declaration, which must be a stated period of not less than 15 years after the day on which the first participant is connected to the hub transmission network for the regional energy hub. The Minister must, as soon as practicable, publish a notice on the department’s website stating the day on which the first participant is connected to the hub transmission network for the regional energy hub. s 38 amd 2025 No. 30 s 33 (sec.38-ssec.1) A regulation may declare a part of a Queensland region to be a regional energy hub. (sec.38-ssec.2) The Minister may recommend to the Governor in Council the making of a regulation under subsection (1) — if the Minister is not the Treasurer, only with the Treasurer’s approval; and only if a hub design body has recommended the part of the Queensland region be declared to be a regional energy hub and the Minister is satisfied— the part of the region is suitable to be a regional energy hub; and the declaration will help achieve the purposes of this Act mentioned in section 3 (a) and (b) . See also section 40 for matters to which the Minister and the Treasurer must have regard when performing a function under this division. (sec.38-ssec.3) A regulation under subsection (1) must— identify— the Queensland region in which the regional energy hub is located; and the geographic boundary of the regional energy hub; and state the objectives of the regional energy hub; and identify— the management plan for the regional energy hub; and Under section 47 (3) , the Minister must keep a copy of the management plan available on the department’s website. the existing or proposed transmission network, or the part of an existing or proposed transmission network, that is the hub transmission network for the regional energy hub; and the existing or proposed transmission assets that are hub controlled assets for the regional energy hub; and state the term of the declaration, which must be a stated period of not less than 15 years after the day on which the first participant is connected to the hub transmission network for the regional energy hub. (sec.38-ssec.4) The Minister must, as soon as practicable, publish a notice on the department’s website stating the day on which the first participant is connected to the hub transmission network for the regional energy hub.
A hub declaration continues in effect for the term stated under section 38 (3) (d) , unless the declaration is repealed. The Minister may recommend to the Governor in Council the making of a regulation amending (including amending the term of the declaration) or repealing a hub declaration— if the Minister is not the Treasurer, only with the approval of the Treasurer; and only if the Minister is satisfied— the amendment or repeal will not adversely affect, in a material way, any participant for the regional energy hub; and for an amendment—the amendment is consistent with achieving the purposes of this Act mentioned in section 3 (a) and (b) . See also section 40 for matters to which the Minister and the Treasurer must have regard when performing a function under this division. s 39 amd 2025 No. 30 s 34 (sec.39-ssec.1) A hub declaration continues in effect for the term stated under section 38 (3) (d) , unless the declaration is repealed. (sec.39-ssec.2) The Minister may recommend to the Governor in Council the making of a regulation amending (including amending the term of the declaration) or repealing a hub declaration— if the Minister is not the Treasurer, only with the approval of the Treasurer; and only if the Minister is satisfied— the amendment or repeal will not adversely affect, in a material way, any participant for the regional energy hub; and for an amendment—the amendment is consistent with achieving the purposes of this Act mentioned in section 3 (a) and (b) . See also section 40 for matters to which the Minister and the Treasurer must have regard when performing a function under this division.
In performing a function under this division, the Minister and the Treasurer must have regard to— the system outlook; and the impact that the development and operation of a transmission network in a regional energy hub has, or is likely to have, on communities, including, for example, Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples; and any other matter the Minister or Treasurer considers relevant. advice of the hub design body or another entity obtained by the Minister or Treasurer in relation to the regional energy hub s 40 amd 2025 No. 30 s 35
A management plan for a regional energy hub must— be consistent with achieving the purposes of this Act mentioned in section 3 (a) and (b) ; and state the objectives of the hub; and identify— the Queensland region in which the hub is located; and the geographic boundary of the hub; and the hub transmission network for the hub; and the hub controlled assets for the hub; and include the following information— the term of the declaration of the hub under section 38 (3) (d) ; information stated in section 42 about the hub transmission network for the hub; information stated in section 43 about the hub controlled assets for the hub; and include any other matter prescribed by regulation. Subsection (1) does not limit what may be included in a management plan. s 41 amd 2025 No. 30 s 36 (sec.41-ssec.1) A management plan for a regional energy hub must— be consistent with achieving the purposes of this Act mentioned in section 3 (a) and (b) ; and state the objectives of the hub; and identify— the Queensland region in which the hub is located; and the geographic boundary of the hub; and the hub transmission network for the hub; and the hub controlled assets for the hub; and include the following information— the term of the declaration of the hub under section 38 (3) (d) ; information stated in section 42 about the hub transmission network for the hub; information stated in section 43 about the hub controlled assets for the hub; and include any other matter prescribed by regulation. (sec.41-ssec.2) Subsection (1) does not limit what may be included in a management plan.
A management plan for a regional energy hub must contain the following information about the hub transmission network for the hub— the proposed timing of the development of, and connection and access to, the hub transmission network; details about the regulation of connection and access to the hub transmission network under this part, including each of the following— the capacity of the transmission network; if more than 1 energy source is available in the hub, the percentage of the capacity intended to be derived from each source; technical requirements for connection to the transmission network; the process to be used by the transmission network service provider to identify entities that may connect to and access the transmission network and the projects in relation to which the connection and access may be granted; the process to be used by entities mentioned in subparagraph (iv) and the transmission network service provider to enter into a connection agreement for connection and access to the transmission network, including, for example— the making, processing and assessing of applications or enquiries for the connection and access, including the timeframes for processing the applications or enquiries and the functions of AEMO in assessing the applications or enquiries; and fees and charges payable for applications or enquiries mentioned in subsubparagraph (A), including fees and charges for negotiating access standards under section 55 in relation to the connection and access; and information that must be provided to the service provider in relation to applications or enquiries for the connection and access; any other arrangements that are to apply under this part to the operation of the hub transmission network while the hub declaration for the hub is in effect; the arrangements that are to apply under this part in relation to the hub transmission network when the hub declaration for the hub ends. The fees and charges mentioned in subsection (1) (b) (v) (B) — must not be more than the reasonable cost of performing the functions to which the fees and charges relate; and must include fees and charges payable to AEMO for performing its functions in relation to the applications or enquiries. s 42 amd 2025 No. 30 s 37 (sec.42-ssec.1) A management plan for a regional energy hub must contain the following information about the hub transmission network for the hub— the proposed timing of the development of, and connection and access to, the hub transmission network; details about the regulation of connection and access to the hub transmission network under this part, including each of the following— the capacity of the transmission network; if more than 1 energy source is available in the hub, the percentage of the capacity intended to be derived from each source; technical requirements for connection to the transmission network; the process to be used by the transmission network service provider to identify entities that may connect to and access the transmission network and the projects in relation to which the connection and access may be granted; the process to be used by entities mentioned in subparagraph (iv) and the transmission network service provider to enter into a connection agreement for connection and access to the transmission network, including, for example— the making, processing and assessing of applications or enquiries for the connection and access, including the timeframes for processing the applications or enquiries and the functions of AEMO in assessing the applications or enquiries; and fees and charges payable for applications or enquiries mentioned in subsubparagraph (A), including fees and charges for negotiating access standards under section 55 in relation to the connection and access; and information that must be provided to the service provider in relation to applications or enquiries for the connection and access; any other arrangements that are to apply under this part to the operation of the hub transmission network while the hub declaration for the hub is in effect; the arrangements that are to apply under this part in relation to the hub transmission network when the hub declaration for the hub ends. (sec.42-ssec.2) The fees and charges mentioned in subsection (1) (b) (v) (B) — must not be more than the reasonable cost of performing the functions to which the fees and charges relate; and must include fees and charges payable to AEMO for performing its functions in relation to the applications or enquiries.
A management plan for a regional energy hub must contain the following information about hub controlled assets for the hub— details of how the hub controlled assets materially affect, or are likely to materially affect, the capacity or functioning of the hub transmission network for the hub; the process to be used by the relevant transmission network service provider to identify entities that may connect to and access the hub controlled assets and the projects in relation to which the connection and access may be granted; any other matter relating to the regulation of connection and access to the hub controlled assets under this part. s 43 amd 2025 No. 30 s 73 sch 1
This subdivision applies if a hub design body is proposing to recommend to the Minister that a part of a Queensland region be declared to be a regional energy hub. See subdivision 4 in relation to the application of this subdivision for replacing a management plan for a regional energy hub. s 44 sub 2025 No. 30 s 38
The hub design body must prepare a draft management plan complying with subdivision 1 for the proposed regional energy hub, and submit the draft management plan to the responsible Ministers for endorsement. The hub design body may ask the Minister to endorse the following matters to help the hub design body prepare the draft management plan— the existing or proposed transmission network, or the part of an existing or proposed transmission network, that is proposed to be the hub transmission network for the regional energy hub; the proposed process to be included in the management plan under section 42 (1) (b) (iv) . The responsible Ministers may endorse the draft management plan if the responsible Ministers are satisfied the management plan complies with subdivision 1 . The responsible Ministers may ask the hub design body to make stated amendments to the draft management plan before the responsible Ministers endorse the draft management plan. s 45 amd 2025 No. 30 s 73 sch 1 (sec.45-ssec.1) The hub design body must prepare a draft management plan complying with subdivision 1 for the proposed regional energy hub, and submit the draft management plan to the responsible Ministers for endorsement. (sec.45-ssec.2) The hub design body may ask the Minister to endorse the following matters to help the hub design body prepare the draft management plan— the existing or proposed transmission network, or the part of an existing or proposed transmission network, that is proposed to be the hub transmission network for the regional energy hub; the proposed process to be included in the management plan under section 42 (1) (b) (iv) . (sec.45-ssec.3) The responsible Ministers may endorse the draft management plan if the responsible Ministers are satisfied the management plan complies with subdivision 1 . (sec.45-ssec.4) The responsible Ministers may ask the hub design body to make stated amendments to the draft management plan before the responsible Ministers endorse the draft management plan.
The Minister must publish on the department’s website— the draft management plan for the proposed regional energy hub endorsed under section 45 ; and the following information— the period within which a person may make submissions to the hub design body about the draft management plan; how the submissions may be made. The period mentioned in subsection (1) (b) (i) must be at least 60 days after the draft management plan is published under subsection (1) (a) . The hub design body must— consider each submission made in relation to the draft management plan; and make amendments to the draft management plan the hub design body considers appropriate to deal with the submissions, if any; and give the responsible Ministers— a proposed management plan incorporating any amendments under paragraph (b) ; and a report outlining the submissions made in relation to the draft management plan and how the submissions have been dealt with. The responsible Ministers may ask the hub design body to make stated amendments to the proposed management plan to ensure the submissions made in relation to the draft management plan have been appropriately dealt with. The hub design body must make the amendments to the proposed management plan requested under subsection (4) . s 46 amd 2025 No. 30 s 39 (sec.46-ssec.1) The Minister must publish on the department’s website— the draft management plan for the proposed regional energy hub endorsed under section 45 ; and the following information— the period within which a person may make submissions to the hub design body about the draft management plan; how the submissions may be made. (sec.46-ssec.2) The period mentioned in subsection (1) (b) (i) must be at least 60 days after the draft management plan is published under subsection (1) (a) . (sec.46-ssec.3) The hub design body must— consider each submission made in relation to the draft management plan; and make amendments to the draft management plan the hub design body considers appropriate to deal with the submissions, if any; and give the responsible Ministers— a proposed management plan incorporating any amendments under paragraph (b) ; and a report outlining the submissions made in relation to the draft management plan and how the submissions have been dealt with. (sec.46-ssec.4) The responsible Ministers may ask the hub design body to make stated amendments to the proposed management plan to ensure the submissions made in relation to the draft management plan have been appropriately dealt with. (sec.46-ssec.5) The hub design body must make the amendments to the proposed management plan requested under subsection (4) .
A proposed management plan prepared under subdivision 2 or 4 for a part of a Queensland region declared to be a regional energy hub under section 38 takes effect as the management plan for the hub when the management plan is approved by regulation. The Minister may recommend to the Governor in Council the making of a regulation approving a management plan for a regional energy hub only if the responsible Ministers are satisfied— the management plan complies with subdivision 1 ; and subdivision 2 has been complied with in relation to the management plan. The Minister must keep a copy of the management plan for a regional energy hub available on the department’s website. s 47 amd 2025 No. 30 s 73 sch 1 (sec.47-ssec.1) A proposed management plan prepared under subdivision 2 or 4 for a part of a Queensland region declared to be a regional energy hub under section 38 takes effect as the management plan for the hub when the management plan is approved by regulation. (sec.47-ssec.2) The Minister may recommend to the Governor in Council the making of a regulation approving a management plan for a regional energy hub only if the responsible Ministers are satisfied— the management plan complies with subdivision 1 ; and subdivision 2 has been complied with in relation to the management plan. (sec.47-ssec.3) The Minister must keep a copy of the management plan for a regional energy hub available on the department’s website.
A management plan for a regional energy hub may be amended only as provided under this section. The hub design body may amend the management plan, with the approval of the chief executive— to correct a minor error in the management plan; or to update a matter mentioned in section 41 (1) (b) , (c) or (d) (i) to reflect an amendment of the hub declaration for the regional energy hub; or to make a minor change to the technical specifications for the hub transmission network or hub controlled assets for the regional energy hub; or to make another change that is not a change of substance. The hub design body may amend the management plan with the approval of the responsible Ministers to make a change that is consequential to an amendment of the hub declaration for the regional energy hub. If an amendment of the hub declaration for the regional energy hub changes the hub transmission network or hub controlled assets for the hub, the management plan may be amended under subsection (3) to the extent necessary to apply the management plan to the hub transmission network or hub controlled assets for the hub as changed. The responsible Ministers may approve an amendment of the management plan under subsection (3) only if satisfied the amendment does not— affect the operation of this part, other than as allowed under subsection (4) ; or adversely affect, in a material way, any participant for the regional energy hub. An amendment of a management plan for a regional energy hub under this section takes effect when the Minister publishes a copy of the management plan incorporating the amendment on the department’s website. s 48 amd 2025 No. 30 s 40 (sec.48-ssec.1) A management plan for a regional energy hub may be amended only as provided under this section. (sec.48-ssec.2) The hub design body may amend the management plan, with the approval of the chief executive— to correct a minor error in the management plan; or to update a matter mentioned in section 41 (1) (b) , (c) or (d) (i) to reflect an amendment of the hub declaration for the regional energy hub; or to make a minor change to the technical specifications for the hub transmission network or hub controlled assets for the regional energy hub; or to make another change that is not a change of substance. (sec.48-ssec.3) The hub design body may amend the management plan with the approval of the responsible Ministers to make a change that is consequential to an amendment of the hub declaration for the regional energy hub. (sec.48-ssec.4) If an amendment of the hub declaration for the regional energy hub changes the hub transmission network or hub controlled assets for the hub, the management plan may be amended under subsection (3) to the extent necessary to apply the management plan to the hub transmission network or hub controlled assets for the hub as changed. (sec.48-ssec.5) The responsible Ministers may approve an amendment of the management plan under subsection (3) only if satisfied the amendment does not— affect the operation of this part, other than as allowed under subsection (4) ; or adversely affect, in a material way, any participant for the regional energy hub. (sec.48-ssec.6) An amendment of a management plan for a regional energy hub under this section takes effect when the Minister publishes a copy of the management plan incorporating the amendment on the department’s website.
The hub design body may replace a management plan for a regional energy hub (the existing management plan ) with a new management plan for the hub (the replacement management plan ). Subdivisions 2 and 3 apply in relation to the replacement management plan, subject to subsections (3) to (5) . The Minister must ensure the following information is also published under section 46 (1) (a) with the draft replacement management plan— the changes between the existing management plan and the draft replacement management plan; that submissions to the hub design body about the draft replacement management plan may be made only about a change mentioned in paragraph (a) . The period mentioned in section 46 (1) (b) (i) must be a reasonable period decided by the Minister having regard to the nature of the changes mentioned in subsection (3) (a) . For applying section 46 (3) to the draft replacement management plan— the hub design body— must consider each submission to the extent it relates to a change mentioned in subsection (3) (a) ; and may, but is not required to, consider a submission to the extent it relates to a matter other than a change mentioned in subsection (3) (a) ; and the reference to submissions in section 46 (3) (c) (ii) is taken to be a reference to submissions to the extent they are considered by the hub design body under paragraph (a) . s 49 sub 2025 No. 30 s 41 (sec.49-ssec.1) The hub design body may replace a management plan for a regional energy hub (the existing management plan ) with a new management plan for the hub (the replacement management plan ). (sec.49-ssec.2) Subdivisions 2 and 3 apply in relation to the replacement management plan, subject to subsections (3) to (5) . (sec.49-ssec.3) The Minister must ensure the following information is also published under section 46 (1) (a) with the draft replacement management plan— the changes between the existing management plan and the draft replacement management plan; that submissions to the hub design body about the draft replacement management plan may be made only about a change mentioned in paragraph (a) . (sec.49-ssec.4) The period mentioned in section 46 (1) (b) (i) must be a reasonable period decided by the Minister having regard to the nature of the changes mentioned in subsection (3) (a) . (sec.49-ssec.5) For applying section 46 (3) to the draft replacement management plan— the hub design body— must consider each submission to the extent it relates to a change mentioned in subsection (3) (a) ; and may, but is not required to, consider a submission to the extent it relates to a matter other than a change mentioned in subsection (3) (a) ; and the reference to submissions in section 46 (3) (c) (ii) is taken to be a reference to submissions to the extent they are considered by the hub design body under paragraph (a) .
s 50 om 2025 No. 30 s 41
s 51 om 2025 No. 30 s 41
This division provides for the regulation of connection and access to— the hub transmission network for a regional energy hub; and hub controlled assets for a regional energy hub. This division regulates the connection and access by— restricting the circumstances in which an entity may connect to and access the hub transmission network or hub controlled assets; and providing for a more streamlined process for the negotiation of access standards for the hub transmission network. This division also provides for the continued effect of particular rights and expectations relating to— a transmission network or a part of a transmission network that becomes the hub transmission network or a part of the hub transmission network for a regional energy hub; or transmission assets that become hub controlled assets for a regional energy hub. s 52 amd 2025 No. 30 s 73 sch 1 (sec.52-ssec.1) This division provides for the regulation of connection and access to— the hub transmission network for a regional energy hub; and hub controlled assets for a regional energy hub. (sec.52-ssec.2) This division regulates the connection and access by— restricting the circumstances in which an entity may connect to and access the hub transmission network or hub controlled assets; and providing for a more streamlined process for the negotiation of access standards for the hub transmission network. (sec.52-ssec.3) This division also provides for the continued effect of particular rights and expectations relating to— a transmission network or a part of a transmission network that becomes the hub transmission network or a part of the hub transmission network for a regional energy hub; or transmission assets that become hub controlled assets for a regional energy hub.
In this division— access policy has the meaning given by the National Electricity Rules. access standard , for the hub transmission network for a regional energy hub, means a standard of performance for a technical requirement of access for plant connected, or to be connected, to the transmission network. s 53 def access standard sub 2025 No. 30 s 42 (1) – (2) application to connect has the meaning given by the National Electricity Rules. connection and access process , for the hub transmission network for a regional energy hub, means the process for entering into a connection agreement stated in the management plan for the hub under section 42 (1) (b) (v) . s 53 def connection and access process ins 2025 No. 30 s 42 (2) designated network asset has the meaning given by the National Electricity Rules. DNA service has the meaning given by the National Electricity Rules. eligible entity means an entity— for the hub transmission network for a regional energy hub—identified under the process stated in the management plan for the hub, under section 42 (1) (b) (iv) , as an entity that may connect to and access the hub transmission network; or for hub controlled assets for a regional energy hub—identified under the process stated in the management plan for the hub, under section 43 (b) , as an entity that may connect to and access the hub controlled assets. s 53 def eligible entity amd 2025 No. 30 s 42 (3) – (6) eligible project means a project— for the hub transmission network for a regional energy hub—identified under the process stated in the management plan for the hub, under section 42 (1) (b) (iv) , as a project in relation to which an entity may connect to and access the hub transmission network; or for hub controlled assets for a regional energy hub—identified under the process stated in the management plan for the hub, under section 43 (b) , as a project in relation to which to an entity may connect to and access the hub controlled assets. s 53 def eligible project amd 2025 No. 30 s 42 (3) – (6) plant has the meaning given by the National Electricity Rules.
An entity may connect to and access the hub transmission network for a regional energy hub only under a connection agreement entered into between the entity and the transmission network service provider. The transmission network service provider may enter into a connection agreement for connection and access to the hub transmission network for a regional energy hub— only with an eligible entity for an eligible project; and only if any conditions on which the entity is an eligible entity or the project is an eligible project are met; and only in accordance with the connection and access process for the transmission network. The terms and conditions of a connection agreement for connection and access to the hub transmission network for a regional energy hub entered into by the transmission network service provider and an eligible entity must be in accordance with— the matters mentioned in the management plan for the hub under section 42 (1) (b) (i) to (iii) ; and the conditions mentioned in subsection (2) (b) . The national electricity laws apply in relation to connection and access to the hub transmission network for a regional energy hub with necessary changes to give effect to the restriction on connection and access under this section, including, for example, by restricting— who may apply for connection and access to the transmission network; and the circumstances in which the transmission network service provider may enter into a connection agreement with an entity for connection and access to the transmission network. s 54 amd 2025 No. 30 s 43 (sec.54-ssec.1) An entity may connect to and access the hub transmission network for a regional energy hub only under a connection agreement entered into between the entity and the transmission network service provider. (sec.54-ssec.2) The transmission network service provider may enter into a connection agreement for connection and access to the hub transmission network for a regional energy hub— only with an eligible entity for an eligible project; and only if any conditions on which the entity is an eligible entity or the project is an eligible project are met; and only in accordance with the connection and access process for the transmission network. (sec.54-ssec.3) The terms and conditions of a connection agreement for connection and access to the hub transmission network for a regional energy hub entered into by the transmission network service provider and an eligible entity must be in accordance with— the matters mentioned in the management plan for the hub under section 42 (1) (b) (i) to (iii) ; and the conditions mentioned in subsection (2) (b) . (sec.54-ssec.4) The national electricity laws apply in relation to connection and access to the hub transmission network for a regional energy hub with necessary changes to give effect to the restriction on connection and access under this section, including, for example, by restricting— who may apply for connection and access to the transmission network; and the circumstances in which the transmission network service provider may enter into a connection agreement with an entity for connection and access to the transmission network.
The transmission network service provider and a relevant entity for a regional energy hub may negotiate an access standard for the hub transmission network for the hub in the way, and in accordance with the requirements, prescribed by regulation. The regulation may prescribe— the process that is to apply to the negotiation, which may— provide for the extent to which AEMO is to be involved in the negotiation; and permit or require the transmission network service provider to consider the performance of all participants for the hub as a whole when negotiating with a particular relevant entity; and requirements about— deciding the access standard; and how performance against the access standard is to be assessed; and arrangements for access standards for technical requirements for plant connected or to be connected, to the hub transmission network for a regional energy hub, under subdivision 3 or 4 . An access standard negotiated under this section is taken to be— an agreed standard of performance determined in accordance with the National Electricity Rules; and if included in a connection agreement—a negotiated access standard for the purposes of the National Electricity Rules. In this section— relevant entity , for a regional energy hub, means an entity who proposes to be, or is, a participant for the hub. s 55 amd 2025 No. 30 s 44 (sec.55-ssec.1) The transmission network service provider and a relevant entity for a regional energy hub may negotiate an access standard for the hub transmission network for the hub in the way, and in accordance with the requirements, prescribed by regulation. (sec.55-ssec.2) The regulation may prescribe— the process that is to apply to the negotiation, which may— provide for the extent to which AEMO is to be involved in the negotiation; and permit or require the transmission network service provider to consider the performance of all participants for the hub as a whole when negotiating with a particular relevant entity; and requirements about— deciding the access standard; and how performance against the access standard is to be assessed; and arrangements for access standards for technical requirements for plant connected or to be connected, to the hub transmission network for a regional energy hub, under subdivision 3 or 4 . (sec.55-ssec.3) An access standard negotiated under this section is taken to be— an agreed standard of performance determined in accordance with the National Electricity Rules; and if included in a connection agreement—a negotiated access standard for the purposes of the National Electricity Rules. (sec.55-ssec.4) In this section— relevant entity , for a regional energy hub, means an entity who proposes to be, or is, a participant for the hub.
This section applies in relation to a connection agreement for connection and access to the hub transmission network for a regional energy hub that is entered into in accordance with the national electricity laws except that— the agreement is entered into as provided under section 54 ; or the agreement includes an access standard negotiated under section 55 . The connection agreement is taken to be a connection agreement entered into in accordance with the National Electricity Rules. s 56 amd 2025 No. 30 s 73 sch 1 (sec.56-ssec.1) This section applies in relation to a connection agreement for connection and access to the hub transmission network for a regional energy hub that is entered into in accordance with the national electricity laws except that— the agreement is entered into as provided under section 54 ; or the agreement includes an access standard negotiated under section 55 . (sec.56-ssec.2) The connection agreement is taken to be a connection agreement entered into in accordance with the National Electricity Rules.
An entity may connect to and access hub controlled assets for a regional energy hub only under a connection agreement entered into between the entity and the relevant transmission network service provider. The relevant transmission network service provider may enter into a connection agreement for connection and access to hub controlled assets for a regional energy hub— only with an eligible entity for an eligible project; and only if any conditions on which the entity is an eligible entity or the project is an eligible project are met. The national electricity laws apply in relation to connection and access to hub controlled assets for a regional energy hub with necessary changes to give effect to the restriction on connection and access under this section, including, for example, by restricting— who may apply for connection and access to the hub controlled assets; and the circumstances in which the relevant transmission network service provider may enter into a connection agreement with an entity for connection and access to the hub controlled assets. s 57 amd 2025 No. 30 s 73 sch 1 (sec.57-ssec.1) An entity may connect to and access hub controlled assets for a regional energy hub only under a connection agreement entered into between the entity and the relevant transmission network service provider. (sec.57-ssec.2) The relevant transmission network service provider may enter into a connection agreement for connection and access to hub controlled assets for a regional energy hub— only with an eligible entity for an eligible project; and only if any conditions on which the entity is an eligible entity or the project is an eligible project are met. (sec.57-ssec.3) The national electricity laws apply in relation to connection and access to hub controlled assets for a regional energy hub with necessary changes to give effect to the restriction on connection and access under this section, including, for example, by restricting— who may apply for connection and access to the hub controlled assets; and the circumstances in which the relevant transmission network service provider may enter into a connection agreement with an entity for connection and access to the hub controlled assets.
This subdivision— applies in relation to a transmission network or a part of a transmission network if the transmission network or the part of the transmission network becomes the hub transmission network, or a part of the hub transmission network, for a regional energy hub; and applies in relation to transmission assets if the transmission assets become hub controlled assets for a regional energy hub. For applying this subdivision in relation to a transmission network or a part of a transmission network mentioned in subsection (1) (a) — a reference to the hub transmission network is a reference to the hub transmission network for a regional energy hub that the transmission network or the part of the transmission network has become or has become part of; and a reference to the relevant event is a reference to the commencement of the regulation under section 38 (1) or 39 that includes the transmission network or the part of the transmission network as or as part of the hub transmission network for the hub. For applying this subdivision in relation to transmission assets mentioned in subsection (1) (b) — a reference to the hub controlled assets is a reference to the hub controlled assets for a regional energy hub that the transmission assets have become; and a reference to the relevant event is a reference to the commencement of the regulation under section 38 (1) or 39 that includes the transmission assets as hub controlled assets for the hub. s 58 amd 2025 No. 30 s 73 sch 1 (sec.58-ssec.1) This subdivision— applies in relation to a transmission network or a part of a transmission network if the transmission network or the part of the transmission network becomes the hub transmission network, or a part of the hub transmission network, for a regional energy hub; and applies in relation to transmission assets if the transmission assets become hub controlled assets for a regional energy hub. (sec.58-ssec.2) For applying this subdivision in relation to a transmission network or a part of a transmission network mentioned in subsection (1) (a) — a reference to the hub transmission network is a reference to the hub transmission network for a regional energy hub that the transmission network or the part of the transmission network has become or has become part of; and a reference to the relevant event is a reference to the commencement of the regulation under section 38 (1) or 39 that includes the transmission network or the part of the transmission network as or as part of the hub transmission network for the hub. (sec.58-ssec.3) For applying this subdivision in relation to transmission assets mentioned in subsection (1) (b) — a reference to the hub controlled assets is a reference to the hub controlled assets for a regional energy hub that the transmission assets have become; and a reference to the relevant event is a reference to the commencement of the regulation under section 38 (1) or 39 that includes the transmission assets as hub controlled assets for the hub.
An existing application to connect for a transmission network or a part of a transmission network in relation to which this subdivision applies made by an entity other than an eligible entity, or for a project other than an eligible project, for the hub transmission network lapses when the relevant event happens. An existing application to connect for a transmission network or a part of a transmission network in relation to which this subdivision applies made by an eligible entity for an eligible project for the hub transmission network is taken to be an application to connect to the hub transmission network for the eligible project made in accordance with the connection and access process for the hub transmission network. Anything done in relation to an existing application to connect mentioned in subsection (2) is taken to have been done under the connection and access process for the hub transmission network, to the extent the thing is relevant to and may be done under that process. This section does not apply to an existing application to connect for a transmission network or a part of the transmission network made for a declared project in relation to which subdivision 4 applies. See section 66 in relation to existing applications to connect for a transmission network or a part of a transmission network made for a declared project in relation to which subdivision 4 applies. In this section— existing application to connect , for a transmission network or a part of a transmission network in relation to which this subdivision applies, means an application to connect for the transmission network or the part of the transmission network made before the relevant event happened if, immediately before the relevant event happened— the application had not been withdrawn; and the assessment of the application under the National Electricity Rules had not been completed. s 59 amd 2025 No. 30 s 74 sch 1 (sec.59-ssec.1) An existing application to connect for a transmission network or a part of a transmission network in relation to which this subdivision applies made by an entity other than an eligible entity, or for a project other than an eligible project, for the hub transmission network lapses when the relevant event happens. (sec.59-ssec.2) An existing application to connect for a transmission network or a part of a transmission network in relation to which this subdivision applies made by an eligible entity for an eligible project for the hub transmission network is taken to be an application to connect to the hub transmission network for the eligible project made in accordance with the connection and access process for the hub transmission network. (sec.59-ssec.3) Anything done in relation to an existing application to connect mentioned in subsection (2) is taken to have been done under the connection and access process for the hub transmission network, to the extent the thing is relevant to and may be done under that process. (sec.59-ssec.4) This section does not apply to an existing application to connect for a transmission network or a part of the transmission network made for a declared project in relation to which subdivision 4 applies. See section 66 in relation to existing applications to connect for a transmission network or a part of a transmission network made for a declared project in relation to which subdivision 4 applies. (sec.59-ssec.5) In this section— existing application to connect , for a transmission network or a part of a transmission network in relation to which this subdivision applies, means an application to connect for the transmission network or the part of the transmission network made before the relevant event happened if, immediately before the relevant event happened— the application had not been withdrawn; and the assessment of the application under the National Electricity Rules had not been completed.
Sourced from Queensland Legislation (legislation.qld.gov.au), CC BY 4.0.
This Act may be cited as the Energy (Infrastructure Facilitation) Act 2024 . s 1 sub 2025 No. 30 s 5
This Act commences on a day to be fixed by proclamation.
The main purposes of this Act are— to increase the amount of electricity generated in Queensland in a way that is cost-effective, safe, secure and reliable; and to facilitate and support the efficient and coordinated augmentation of the national transmission grid in Queensland to accommodate the increased generation of electricity mentioned in paragraph (a) ; and to provide for support for workers in the energy industry and communities affected by the increased generation of electricity mentioned in paragraph (a) . s 3 sub 2025 No. 30 s 6
The main purposes of this Act mentioned in section 3 (a) and (b) are to be achieved primarily by providing a framework that includes— strategic infrastructure path objectives and ways to help achieve those objectives; and the identification and construction of priority transmission investments; and the development and operation of regional energy hubs and coordinated and streamlined connection and access to transmission networks for the hubs; and the facilitation and support of the delivery of the CopperString project. The main purpose of this Act mentioned in section 3 (c) is to be achieved primarily by establishing the Job Security Guarantee Fund, including for the purpose of implementing the job security guarantee. s 4 sub 2025 No. 30 s 6 (sec.4-ssec.1) The main purposes of this Act mentioned in section 3 (a) and (b) are to be achieved primarily by providing a framework that includes— strategic infrastructure path objectives and ways to help achieve those objectives; and the identification and construction of priority transmission investments; and the development and operation of regional energy hubs and coordinated and streamlined connection and access to transmission networks for the hubs; and the facilitation and support of the delivery of the CopperString project. (sec.4-ssec.2) The main purpose of this Act mentioned in section 3 (c) is to be achieved primarily by establishing the Job Security Guarantee Fund, including for the purpose of implementing the job security guarantee.
The Job Security Guarantee Fund is established to pay for training, relocation and other categories of support for "affected energy workers" (employees, contractors and specified categories) who are directly and adversely affected by operational changes at publicly owned coal-fired power stations; payments are made only if the chief executive and under‑Treasurer jointly approve and only for purposes and cost categories set by regulation. (See: s85–s91.)
The Act contains a bespoke regime for the CopperString project: ministers may identify stages, obtain independent cost advice, declare stages as "declared stages" and specify forecast capital and operating expenditure figures to be used in transmission determinations—effectively allowing bespoke regulatory treatment for that project. (See: s93–s99.)
The Act expressly allows regulations to modify the application of national electricity laws (including the NER) and AER processes where needed to implement priority transmission investments, hub arrangements or CopperString arrangements. It also permits temporary changes, transitional regulations (including limited retrospective effect) and limited protections from civil liability for officials/Powerlink for acts done honestly and without negligence in specified periods. (See: s28, s33, s84, s99–s100, s170A–s170D, s180, s179A, s174.)
Who it affects and who pays
Who decides: the Minister, the Treasurer and designated "responsible Ministers" exercise decisive powers (making system outlooks, declaring eligible projects, directing Powerlink, approving management plans, making cost-recovery declarations). Hub design bodies (appointed by the Minister) prepare hub management plans and collect information. Powerlink is the primary implementing transmission network service provider for priority transmission investments and for hub transmission networks. AEMO and the AER continue to have roles but their processes can be adapted by regulation. (See: s15, s24, s26, s29, s75–s76, s80.)
Who pays: initial connection and application fees are payable by participants to the transmission network service provider and AEMO as prescribed in management plans; participants may also face ongoing fees that can include contributions to hub establishment and operational costs (s69A, s70). If participant fees do not cover costs, Ministers may allow recovery via changes to regulated transmission charges (which flow through to wider transmission users and ultimately consumers) after a ministerial declaration and regulatory steps (s71–s73). The Job Security Guarantee Fund is funded from amounts appropriated to the departmental fund bank account (s88–s90), i.e. state budget/taxpayer funds unless other sources are provided.
Why it matters — mechanisms and trade-offs (stated purpose and practical effects)
Stated purpose: the Act aims to increase Queensland electricity generation and coordinate national transmission augmentation in a cost-effective, safe, secure and reliable way, and to provide worker support (s3–s4). It does so by identifying priority investments, streamlining hub-based connections and enabling targeted funding for projects and worker support.
Implementation trade-offs and incentives:
Compliance, implementation and legal risk:
Effects on private enterprise, competition and contract freedom:
Concrete behavioural changes the Act enables or mandates
Ministers can steer which transmission projects are prioritised and when they must be built; Powerlink must comply with directions to assess and build (s24, s26, s30). That changes Powerlink from a mostly regulator‑driven developer to a ministerially directed implementer for declared projects.
Developers and prospective participants must follow hub management plans to apply for connection and pay specified application and access fees; some existing connection applications will lapse or be converted under opt‑in windows (s42, s59–s63, s70).
AEMO and the AER retain roles but their procedures can be adapted by regulation; AEMO may be paid and required to perform functions set out in management plans (s42, s55, s70).
Key statutory hooks to watch (sections that change how things work)
Bottom line (analyst’s note) The Act builds an administrative pathway for the State to prioritise, fund and construct transmission infrastructure in Queensland through ministerial declarations, directing Powerlink, and creating regional hubs with bespoke connection regimes and cost recovery models. It couples infrastructure prioritisation with public-ownership targets and a dedicated worker-support fund. The mechanics shift some decisions and risks from ordinary NER/AER processes and market-driven access to ministerial and departmental control, with funding ultimately coming from participants and, where shortfalls exist, through adjustments that could affect regulated transmission charges and taxpayers. (See s3, s13, s24–26, s54, s70–s73, s85–s91.)
This Act binds all persons, including the State.
The dictionary in schedule 1 defines particular words used in this Act.
The strategic infrastructure path is— the significant electricity infrastructure projects, including sequencing and timing of delivery of the projects, identified in the system outlook under section 15 (2) (a) ; and any project that is an eligible priority transmission investment if section 20 (2) (b) applies in relation to the project; and any hub transmission network for a regional energy hub not mentioned in the system outlook. s 7 amd 2025 No. 30 s 7
The strategic infrastructure path objectives are the following objectives— the long-term minimisation of the cost of electricity for Queensland consumers; the provision of a safe, secure and reliable supply of electricity to Queensland consumers; the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from the generation of electricity in Queensland. s 8 sub 2025 No. 30 s 8
s 9 om 2025 No. 30 s 9
s 10 om 2025 No. 30 s 9
s 11 om 2025 No. 30 s 9
s 12 om 2025 No. 30 s 9
Each of the following is a public ownership target for a class of energy asset— that 100% of public ownership of generation assets publicly owned and in operation on the commencement of this subsection, and that continue in operation, is maintained; that public ownership of transmission and distribution assets is 100%; that public ownership of deep storage assets is 100%. The Minister must prepare a report about whether each public ownership target is being achieved— on 31 May 2027; and at further intervals of 2 years. The report must— include a description of how the percentage of publicly owned assets for each class of energy assets is worked out; and be published on the department’s website. In this section— class of energy assets means the following classes of assets in Queensland— generation assets; transmission and distribution assets; deep storage assets. deep storage assets means assets for pumped hydro energy storage that are— capable of generating at least 1,500MW for 24 hours; and prescribed by regulation. generation assets means assets that constitute a generating system for which a person is registered as a generator or intermediary under the National Electricity Rules, other than the following— assets that are— predominantly used to generate electricity for conversion to a form of energy suitable for export; and prescribed by regulation; a generating system with a nameplate rating of less than 30MW; a generating system comprised of generating units with a combined nameplate rating of less than 30MW; an asset used for pumped hydro energy storage, including a deep storage asset; another asset that directly or indirectly uses electricity to create a stored source of energy that may later be converted by the generating system to electricity. public ownership , in relation to a class of energy assets, means— ownership, whether wholly or partly, of assets of the class by the State; or if the State directly or indirectly holds a right or interest in another entity that owns assets of the class—ownership, whether wholly or partly, of the assets by the other entity. transmission and distribution assets means assets that constitute the following, other than an asset excluded from this definition by regulation— a transmission system that is regulated by a transmission determination; a distribution system under the National Electricity (Queensland) Law that is regulated by a distribution determination under that Law; the hub transmission network for a regional energy hub. s 13 amd 2025 No. 30 s 10 (sec.13-ssec.1) Each of the following is a public ownership target for a class of energy asset— that 100% of public ownership of generation assets publicly owned and in operation on the commencement of this subsection, and that continue in operation, is maintained; that public ownership of transmission and distribution assets is 100%; that public ownership of deep storage assets is 100%. (sec.13-ssec.2) The Minister must prepare a report about whether each public ownership target is being achieved— on 31 May 2027; and at further intervals of 2 years. (sec.13-ssec.3) The report must— include a description of how the percentage of publicly owned assets for each class of energy assets is worked out; and be published on the department’s website. (sec.13-ssec.4) In this section— class of energy assets means the following classes of assets in Queensland— generation assets; transmission and distribution assets; deep storage assets. deep storage assets means assets for pumped hydro energy storage that are— capable of generating at least 1,500MW for 24 hours; and prescribed by regulation. generation assets means assets that constitute a generating system for which a person is registered as a generator or intermediary under the National Electricity Rules, other than the following— assets that are— predominantly used to generate electricity for conversion to a form of energy suitable for export; and prescribed by regulation; a generating system with a nameplate rating of less than 30MW; a generating system comprised of generating units with a combined nameplate rating of less than 30MW; an asset used for pumped hydro energy storage, including a deep storage asset; another asset that directly or indirectly uses electricity to create a stored source of energy that may later be converted by the generating system to electricity. public ownership , in relation to a class of energy assets, means— ownership, whether wholly or partly, of assets of the class by the State; or if the State directly or indirectly holds a right or interest in another entity that owns assets of the class—ownership, whether wholly or partly, of the assets by the other entity. transmission and distribution assets means assets that constitute the following, other than an asset excluded from this definition by regulation— a transmission system that is regulated by a transmission determination; a distribution system under the National Electricity (Queensland) Law that is regulated by a distribution determination under that Law; the hub transmission network for a regional energy hub.
s 14 om 2025 No. 30 s 11
The Minister must make a document called the ‘Energy System Outlook’ (the system outlook ) which may be part of another document. The system outlook must— identify the particular significant electricity infrastructure projects, including the sequencing and timing of delivery of the projects, that each help to meet the strategic infrastructure path objectives; and priority transmission investments hub transmission networks for regional energy hubs large scale energy storage describe how the electricity infrastructure projects mentioned in paragraph (a) each help to meet the strategic infrastructure path objectives; and identify parts of Queensland regions that are possibly suitable to be regional energy hubs; and include any other matter prescribed by regulation. The system outlook may also include— an estimate of the operating life of each publicly owned coal-fired power station; and estimates, at intervals the Minister considers appropriate, of matters relating to the capacity of energy infrastructure that are required to achieve the strategic infrastructure path objectives; and the total nameplate rating of generating systems in Queensland that are capable of producing electricity the total capacity of infrastructure connected to transmission systems in Queensland to generate electricity on demand the total capacity for storage of energy in a form capable of being converted to electricity in Queensland the total capacity of devices that generate electricity that are owned by Queensland consumers any other matter the Minister considers relevant to achieving— the strategic infrastructure path objectives; or the purposes of this Act. The system outlook takes effect only if it has been approved by regulation. The Minister must publish the system outlook on the department’s website. s 15 amd 2025 No. 30 s 13 (sec.15-ssec.1) The Minister must make a document called the ‘Energy System Outlook’ (the system outlook ) which may be part of another document. (sec.15-ssec.2) The system outlook must— identify the particular significant electricity infrastructure projects, including the sequencing and timing of delivery of the projects, that each help to meet the strategic infrastructure path objectives; and priority transmission investments hub transmission networks for regional energy hubs large scale energy storage describe how the electricity infrastructure projects mentioned in paragraph (a) each help to meet the strategic infrastructure path objectives; and ident
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