- A new phone information service is now available to assist Queensland farmers and landholders with their on-farm energy related enquiries. Operating Monday to Friday 8:30am – 5pm, the free phone service will help farmers and landholders on a range of energy matters.
- A website, the Queensland Ag Energy Hub, is now also available to assist Queensland farmers and landholders access information about energy, including case studies from farms that have successfully implemented savings initiatives.
A new phone information service is now available for Queensland farmers and landholders to assist them with their on-farm energy related enquiries to support them in making informed decisions when it comes to their future energy requirements.
The Energy Information Service for Landholders (EISL) is available to provide farmers with direct support through the provision of up-to-date information on a range of energy matters relevant to their enterprise, including:
- details of access to government and industry support
- community energy engagement opportunities
- energy infrastructure coexistence / landholder hosting
- on-farm energy saving initiatives
- emerging technology solutions
- funding and financing opportunities and support
- tariffs and other energy related enquiries.
The Energy Information Service for Landholders will be supported by a new website, also launched this week, which will house energy efficiency information and resources.
The Queensland Ag Energy Hub will also showcase case studies from farms that have successfully implemented savings initiatives as well as fact sheets on pumping, irrigation and more.
The establishment of the Energy Information Service for Landholders and the Queensland Ag Energy Hub is a partnership between the Queensland Government and the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) reflecting the increasing need from farmers and landholders for accurate and up-to-date information in the fast-moving energy environment in which they are operating.
In 2023, QFF developed the Queensland Renewable Energy Landholder Toolkit which provides practical information to help farmers understand how to navigate negotiations with renewable energy developers to ensure they can make informed decisions about their operations.
QFF has also delivered more than 300 on-farm energy audits across a range of industries through previous Queensland Government funded Energy Savers programs. In total, these audits identified annual savings of 7.5 million kWh for farmers, which would save an estimated $3 million and 6,000 tonnes of carbon emissions.
Quotes attributable to QFF CEO Jo Shepperd:
“The Energy Information Service for Landholders will assist landholders to access information in relation to their current and future energy requirements and investments.
“Being able to access affordable and reliable energy is important for the future of Queensland agriculture and QFF and our members are working hard to assist farmers to make informed decisions.
“If a farmer is needing information about their tariff options, wanting to find out more about on farm energy efficiency programs or considering hosting energy infrastructure, the EISL can be their first port of call for assistance.
“There is a lot happening with energy in Queensland and it is critical that farmers are supported with the right information to make decisions.
“The Queensland Ag Energy Hub provides a resource for farmers across the agriculture sector to learn more about energy saving opportunities relevant to their operations.
“QFF has a strong track record of delivering energy efficiency programs leading to tangible on-farm outcomes.
“We hope that the Energy Information Service for Landholders and the Queensland Ag Energy Hub will enable farmers across the state to more easily access these learnings as well as other information to support farmers in making informed decisions when it comes to energy.”
Quotes attributable to Energy Minister Mick de Brenni:
“We know landholders and communities must be at the forefront of the energy transition, and this partnership with the QFF is another way the Miles Government is ensuring farmers have the information they need to make informed, thorough decisions.
“The clean energy transition presents an enormous opportunity for regional Queensland landholders, who we recognise must be supported to ensure they take full advantage of the renewables transition.
“We’ve been working closely with the Queensland Farmers Federation to ensure we’re providing the resources regional landholders need, and this program builds on our Renewable Energy Landholder Toolkit, released just last year.”
The Energy Information Service for Landholders will be available Monday to Friday from 8:30am – 5pm. Farmers and landholders can access the service by ringing 07 3329 7500.
You can visit the Queensland Ag Energy Hub at www.qldagenergyhub.com.au
-ENDS-
MEDIA CONTACT:
Anna Jones
Corporate Partnerships and Communications Manager, QFF
M 0481 395 623
E partnerships@qff.org.au