Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Mayor Teresa Millwood and Gulnay Traditional Owner, Clarence Kinjun at the Official BESS Project Office Opening. Photo supplied
Cassowary Coast Regional Council and renewable energy company RWE have signed a $3.45 million Community Benefit Agreement for the proposed Tully Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), marking a major milestone for the region’s clean energy future.
The agreement will deliver long-term investment into the Tully community over a 23-year period, including the establishment of the RWE Tully Community Fund to support local initiatives and projects.
Under the agreement, the fund will provide $125,000 annually through Council’s community grants program, alongside an additional $25,000 per year to support a dedicated local trainee position responsible for administering the fund.
Funding will begin during the project’s construction phase, with priorities guided by an RWE Tully Community Benefit Group to ensure investment decisions remain community-led and tailored to local needs.
The agreement was developed collaboratively between RWE and Cassowary Coast Regional Council and informed by the project’s Social Impact Assessment.
RWE Renewables Europe & Australia CEO Dan Belton said the agreement reflected the company’s long-term commitment to the region.
“We are proud to partner with Cassowary Coast Regional Council on a Community Benefit Agreement shaped through genuine collaboration and informed by community feedback,” Mr Belton said.
“The RWE Tully Community Fund has been specifically tailored for local communities and will provide long-term support to the initiatives that matter most to local residents. This agreement, and the opening of our project office in the heart of the town, reflect our long-term commitment to Tully and surrounds. We also encourage local businesses and contractors to speak with us about the 28 work packages currently open as part of the project’s development phase.”
Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor Teresa Millwood said the agreement would provide lasting benefits for the local community.
“This agreement represents an important long-term investment into the Tully community and demonstrates what can be achieved through strong collaboration between Council, industry and the community,” Cr Millwood said.
“The establishment of the RWE Tully Community Fund and support for a dedicated local trainee position will help ensure tangible benefits flow back into local communities for many years to come. We also welcome the opening of the Tully Project Office, which provides an accessible place for residents, local businesses and stakeholders to connect directly with the project team and stay informed as the project progresses.”
The newly opened Tully Project Office will operate as an information hub and community engagement space throughout the life of the project.
The proposed Tully BESS is expected to become the largest battery energy storage project in Far North Queensland.
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