🗞️ Council Endorses Temporary Planning Reform as Petition Deadline Nears
On Tuesday 10 June, Rockhampton Regional Council voted unanimously to proceed with the preparation of a Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI) in response to the growing number of renewable energy and battery storage developments being proposed across the region.
The motion, moved by Councillor Mathers and seconded by Councillor Taylor, confirms Council’s intention to seek the Minister’s approval under Section 23 of the Planning Act 2016. The TLPI mechanism would allow Council to temporarily implement stricter planning controls while more permanent policy settings are developed.
This development aligns closely with the focus of the current community petition, which is calling for council to fast-track a TLPI to address planning gaps around large-scale energy storage projects — particularly stand-alone Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
📄 About the TLPI
A Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI) is a statutory tool used by local governments in Queensland to manage new and emerging planning issues where there’s a need for immediate response. In this case, Council has noted the rise in proposals for battery storage facilities and the need to ensure these developments are appropriately regulated.
The TLPI, once approved by the Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, would provide an interim planning framework while more comprehensive planning amendments are pursued.
📅 Petition Update
While Council’s resolution marks a significant shift, the community petition will still be submitted both to Council and to Minister Jarrod Bleijie MP, to formally record the depth of community concern regarding this issue.
The petition will close on Tuesday 24 June, which is the final date for returning signed sheets. Organisers have confirmed that signatures received after this date will not be included in the official submission.
💬 Reflections
This update represents a notable moment in the ongoing discussion about how regions like Rockhampton respond to the rapid rollout of renewable infrastructure. The use of a TLPI offers one way for local councils to manage uncertainty and ensure new technologies are introduced with appropriate oversight.
As the process moves forward, the next key step will be public consultation — a phase Council has committed to undertaking before submitting the proposed TLPI to the State Government.