Community benefits
Delivering enduring legacies for our communities with the Community Benefits Framework.
legacy benefits for generations to come
Our Community Benefits Framework
While our proposed projects will bring significant long-term economic, environmental and social benefits, we recognise that this comes with disruption for local communities during investigation and construction. Our goal is to deliver the best outcomes for local communities and all Queenslanders, now and for generations to come.
This is where community benefits comes in.
About the framework
Purpose, values and strategic priorities
The Community Benefits Framework outlines our approach to planning and delivering benefits for the communities in which we operate.
It is pivotal in ensuring fair and equitable distribution of funding, guiding strategic investments, aligning benefits to community and ensuring accountability.
Our values are:
- Inclusive
- Enduring
- Responsive
- Transparent
The core values for community benefits provide a path toward equitable development, long-term community value and vibrant communities. They underpin engagement activities and decision making with communities.
our consultation process
Ensuring your voices are heard
Between February and April 2024, the draft Community Benefits Framework was available for public consultation. Community representatives were encouraged to participate by completing a survey and/or attending a workshop.
During this period, we received 462 survey responses and connected in-person with members of the community during seven workshops held across both project locations.
Local residents, businesses, not-for-profit groups and other community entities were encouraged to participate by either completing the survey or attending a workshop.
You can read about the consultation findings and how the community feedback informed the finalisation of the Community Benefits Framework.
We want to work with you
Helping your community thrive
From grants to sponsorship, Queensland Hydro wants to support your local program, event or initiative.
More information
Frequently asked questions
Community Benefits Framework
While our projects will bring significant long-term economic, environmental and social benefits, we recognise that this comes with disruption for local communities during investigation and construction.
Queensland Hydro recognises that our responsibilities extend beyond the projects themselves and is committed to achieving the best outcomes for both Queensland and local communities. This Framework stands as a testament to being a good neighbour and ensuring that communities benefit from our presence.
The purpose of the Framework is to guide Queensland Hydro and communities in aligning and supporting meaningful initiatives that will provide a positive and enduring legacy. Read the final Framework here.
Queensland Hydro completed an 8-week consultation period during February to April 2024. During this time, we held seven workshops across our proposed project communities and received over 450 responses to our online survey. The feedback from this consultation informed the final Framework, which was released in August 2024.
Engaging with Traditional Owners has, and will continue to be, a key priority for Queensland Hydro. We sought input from Traditional Custodian groups, Elders and community representatives to ensure valuable input and insight was captured throughout the draft Community Benefits Framework consultation period.
Queensland Hydro remains firmly committed to investing in the communities in which we operate.
If the Project receives a funding investment decision from the Queensland Government, this investment will include a community benefits allocation. This will not happen until Queensland Hydro submit its Detailed Analytical Report to the Queensland Government in late 2024.
Communities around the proposed Pioneer-Burdekin Project can apply for sponsorship funding for community and industry events under Queensland Hydro’s Sponsorship Program. Find out more information here.
In February 2024, $5 million was allocated to the Gympie region from the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project’s benefits package. The early initiatives announced were identified in consultation with key community stakeholders over the past 12 months. They were also formed by views and discussions shared with us throughout a range of community engagement activities and consultation delivered by Queensland Hydro.
In May 2024, a further $30 million was committed, bringing the total funding for the Borumba community to $35 million. This funding will be distributed according to the Community Benefits Framework, which was established after extensive community consultation.
Community Benefits Panel
The Borumba Project Community Benefits Panel will ensure that funding applications for Queensland Hydro’s Community Benefits Program are distributed to the community, by the community.
The Panel will be responsible for reviewing, assessing, and recommending eligible applicants for final approval by Queensland Hydro.
Participants on the Panel include:
- Local government authority representatives
- Business operators
- Landholders and residents
- Representatives of community-based stakeholder groups
- Queensland Hydro.
Following a financial decision on the proposed Pioneer-Burdekin project, a Community Benefits Panel representing the local community will be established.
Community Grants Program
Under the Community Grants Program, community groups, organisations or individuals in the project area can apply for a grant of up to $10,000 (ex GST).
From 2025, two application rounds will be held each calendar year in March and August.
The inaugural community grants round for the Borumba Project is open until 11 October 2024.
From 2025, two application rounds will be held each calendar year in March and August.
Following a financial decision on the proposed Pioneer-Burdekin project, a Community Grants Program for the local communities in this project area will also be launched.
Queensland Hydro is using the online grants platform called ‘SmartyGrants’. A link can be found on the Queensland Hydro website or by visiting www.qldhydro.com.au/community/community-grants-program
To apply applicants must complete the online application form. All questions must be answered in full and any supporting documentation provided.
Queensland Hydro has created an application user guide with further information on the process.
Applications must be submitted by the closing date. Eligible applications are those that meet the eligibility criteria and address at least one of strategic priorities outlined in the Community Benefits Framework.
The strategic priority areas were informed by the community during consultation on the draft framework. They include:
- Economy and tourism
- Health and wellbeing
- Environment and sustainability
- Community connection
To be eligible for funding, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Application must be applying for funds to be used in the local project area
- Application must be an eligible organisation
- Applicant must be of sound financial and legal standing
- Applicant must be applying for funds to be used in a manner consistent with the Community Benefits Framework
- Applicant must align with at least one of the strategic priorities in the Community Benefits Framework
- Applicant must sign a declaration outlining the legal stipulations surrounding the grant funding.
The assessment criteria consists of three assessment themes:
- Strategic fit – this will assess how well each initiative aligns with the vision, values and strategic priorities in Queensland Hydro’s Community Benefits Framework.
Initiatives are evaluated based on their relevance to the specific needs and opportunities within the project regions ensuring they address local challenges and aspirations.
- Community value – this will prioritise initiatives that will have direct and meaningful benefits to the community, fostering economic growth, enhancing quality of life, and promoting social and environmental wellbeing.
Initiatives will be prioritised that are inclusive and accessible to diverse community groups, ensuring that benefits are shared equitably. This will include seeking endorsement from a broad range of stakeholders.
- Deliverability – this will assess the practicality and feasibility of each initiative, including its potential to be successfully executed within the proposed timeframe and budget with an acceptable level of risk.
Initiatives are evaluated for their potential to be efficiently managed, with clear objectives, accountability, and measurable outcomes. This evaluation process will assist Queensland Hydro in identifying and prioritising initiatives that not only align with our vision, values and strategic priorities but also hold the greatest potential for creating lasting positive change in the communities we operate.
Not every application that meets the assessment criteria will receive funding.
Yes. Queensland Hydro will be running several workshops and information sessions to help applicants with their submission. The community engagement team will also meet with groups separately should additional assistance be required
Queensland Hydro will notify both successful and unsuccessful applicants via email and/or telephone.
Our team welcomes any questions and is happy to assist community representatives with the application process. To contact our community engagement team please:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1800 875 099
Community Sponsorship Program
Under the Community Sponsorship Program, community groups, organisations or individuals in the proposed project areas can apply for sponsorship of eligible community or industry events.
The sponsorships program is open year-round, and you can apply for sponsorship of a specific community or industry event once every 6 months.
Queensland Hydro is using the online grants platform called ‘SmartyGrants’. A link can be found on the Queensland Hydro website or by visiting https://qldhydro.com.au/community/sponsorship/
To apply applicants must complete the online application form. All questions must be answered in full and any supporting documentation provided.
Queensland Hydro has created an application user guide with further information on the process.
Eligible applications are those that meet the eligibility criteria and address at least one of strategic priorities outlined in the Community Benefits Framework.
The strategic priority areas were informed by the community during consultation on the draft framework. They include:
- Economy and tourism
- Health and wellbeing
- Environment and sustainability
- Community connection
To be eligible for funding, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Applicant is aware that sponsorships applied for in the following location areas (Gympie, Somerset, or Mackay LGAs) will be prioritised
- Application must be an eligible organisation
- Applicant must be of sound financial and legal standing
- Applicant must be applying for funds to be used in a manner consistent with the Community Benefits Framework
- Applicant must align with at least one of the strategic priorities in the Community Benefits Framework
- Applicant must sign a declaration outlining the legal stipulations surrounding the grant funding.
The assessment criteria consists of four assessment themes:
- Strategic fit – this will assess how well each initiative aligns with the vision, values and strategic priorities in Queensland Hydro’s Community Benefits Framework.
Initiatives are evaluated based on their relevance to the specific needs and opportunities within the project regions ensuring they address local challenges and aspirations.
- Community value – this will prioritise initiatives that will have direct and meaningful benefits to the community, fostering economic growth, enhancing quality of life, and promoting social and environmental wellbeing.
Initiatives will be prioritised that are inclusive and accessible to diverse community groups, ensuring that benefits are shared equitably. This will include seeking endorsement from a broad range of stakeholders.
- Deliverability – this will assess the practicality and feasibility of each initiative, including its potential to be successfully executed within the proposed timeframe and budget with an acceptable level of risk.
Initiatives are evaluated for their potential to be efficiently managed, with clear objectives, accountability, and measurable outcomes. This evaluation process will assist Queensland Hydro in identifying and prioritising initiatives that not only align with our vision, values and strategic priorities but also hold the greatest potential for creating lasting positive change in the communities we operate.
- Communicating the community value – this will ensure that Queensland Hydro is securing appropriate benefits, through a sponsorship arrangement, applicants will also be required to answer three questions demonstrating the value that they offer.
Initiatives will be considered relative to the funding amount sought, enabling Queensland Hydro to determine the value for money of the proposed sponsorship arrangement for the organisation.
Not every application that meets the assessment criteria will receive funding.
Queensland Hydro will notify both successful and unsuccessful applicants via email and/or telephone.
Our team welcomes any questions and is happy to assist community representatives with the application process. To contact our community engagement team please:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1800 875 099