Herbert Smith Freehills identifies opportunities to improve clean energy project approvals in Queensland & Victoria

Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) has worked with Clean Energy Investor Group (CEIG) to release their latest report which identifies opportunities to speed up and streamline planning and approval processes for energy projects in Queensland (QLD) and Victoria (VIC).

HSF Environment, Planning & Communities partner, Heidi Asten, said the report identifies the average time it takes for permit applications to process for various energy, wind and solar projects and provides both quick wins and recommendations to help improve project timelines for renewable energy projects in QLD and VIC.

“There is a clear need for planning and development reform to reduce project delays and help speed up the States’ energy transition. We’ve identified several opportunities, including quick wins and longer-term recommendations, that would support this goal and the path to net zero,” Heidi said.

CEIG’s CEO Simon Corbell said: “Investment in clean energy projects is urgently needed to achieve net zero targets and the Delivering Major Clean Energy Projects report shows how planning processes can be enhanced to improve outcomes for communities, the environment and clean energy investment.”

This is the second report released by HSF and CEIG. The first report was published in December 2023 and reviewed NSW planning and approval processes.  

The report was delivered by HSFs Environment, Planning & Communities team and led by partners Heidi Asten and Kathryn Pacey and supported by senior associates, Rachel Foo and Jasmine Wood.

Read the Delivering Major Clean Energy Projects in Queensland and Victoria: Review of Statutory Planning Approvals Processes report below.

Read report