Community benefit

The community benefit system ensures that developments contribute positively to the communities they impact and align with local expectations.   It is one of four main systems which make up Queensland's planning framework. The other systems are plan-making, development assessment and dispute resolution.

State and local governments share responsibility for the delivery and operation of these systems. The community and industry also play a role in the successful operation of the community benefit system. Find out more about who does what in planning.

What is the community benefit system?

Comprised of two core components, a social impact assessment (SIA) and a Community benefit agreement (CBA), this system requires proponents of prescribed development to conduct a social impact assessment and enter into a community benefit agreement with the local government (as a minimum) before lodging a development application.

What development does the community benefit system apply to?

The Planning Regulation prescribes the following development requiring social impact assessment:

  • a solar farm that has an output of 1MW or more
  • a wind farm.

These land use terms are defined in the Planning Regulation and include ancillary development such as battery energy storage facilities and workers accommodation.

Mediation process

Where the proponent and the relevant local government are unable to reach agreement on a CBA and all reasonable steps have been taken to reach agreement, the parties may make a written request to the Director-General to request mediation.

Request to waive requirement for a social impact assessment or community benefit agreement

There are exceptional circumstances where a proponent may request the Director-General to waive the requirement for a SIA and/or CBA prior to lodging a development application. For example, where an SIA has identified there are no or only minor social impacts associated with a development.

The proponent may write to the Director-General requesting that the requirement is waived and provide the relevant information as per the Planning Regulation.

Changes to implement the community benefit system

The  Planning (Social Impact and Community Benefit) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (PSICBOLA Act) introduced the community benefit system into the planning framework.  Amendments were also made to statutory instruments to operationalise the PSICBOLA Act. The Community benefit system factsheet ( 291.4 KB) provides and overview of the changes made to Queensland’s planning framework through the PSICBOLA Act.

Last updated: 18 Jul 2025