The Swanbank Power Station Precinct has played an important role in supporting Queensland’s resource and energy supply for more than 60 years. The 330ha site has a proud history of coal mining and coal generation but its future is in sustainable, lower-emission energy.
In line with objectives of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, it is CleanCo's ambition to transform the Swanbank site into a clean energy hub, ensuring long-term jobs and economic opportunities.
Community Reference Group formed
CleanCo has formed a new Swanbank Clean Energy Hub Community Reference Group (CRG) to provide advice and represent the local community as the development of the Clean Energy Hub progresses.
Thanks to the 16 Ipswich residents who have joined our group. The CRG has a diverse mix of people – with members as young as 15 right through to people in their 80s; members of First Nations communities; residents with connections to Ipswich’s European settlers as well as more recent arrivals representing the city’s rapidly growing population; people with technical knowledge of renewable energy and others who are deeply involved in their community through work and volunteering.
The CRG meets at Providence Community Centre on a quarterly basis.
A community-led masterplan
CleanCo has collaborated with Ipswich residents to develop the Swanbank Clean Energy Hub community infrastructure masterplan, as well as a shortlist of energy generation and storage options for the site.
Throughout 2023 CleanCo held a range of engagement activities, including 3 full day workshops with a codesign panel, to develop and fine-tune the plan. At the end of 2023, we reached a major project milestone, with the CleanCo Board endorsing the masterplan at its December meeting.
Thank you to everyone who has helped shape the masterplan and shared their thoughts and ideas about the Clean Energy Hub.
In 2024 we are moving onto the next phase of the project - developing a whole-of-site plan that integrates community infrastructure with energy generation and storage, taking into account current operational requirements.
Want to know more about the draft masterplan?
The map below focusses on Swanbank Lake, highlighting the three areas identified by the community as a priority. Click on the yellow icons in the map below to learn more about infrastructure priorities (3-5 years) identified by the community panel. The masterplan will be updated as studies are progressed.
Take a deep dive into how we developed the masterplan.