Energy (Renewable Transformation and Jobs) Act 2024

An Act to transformfacilitate the energy sector in Queensland by facilitating the increased generation of electricity from renewable energy sourcesdevelopment of infrastructure to promote an affordable, reliable and sustainable energy system in Queensland, and supportingto support affected workers and communities

2Commencement

This Act commences on a day to be fixed by proclamation.

5Act binds all persons

This Act binds all persons, including the State.

6Definitions

The dictionary in schedule 1 defines particular words used in this Act.

7Meaning of optimal infrastructure pathwaystrategic infrastructure path

The optimalstrategic infrastructure pathwaypath is—

(a)the significant electricity infrastructure projects, including sequencing and timing of delivery of the projects, identified in the infrastructure blueprintsystem outlook under section 15(2)(a); and

(b)any project that is an eligible priority transmission investment if section 20(2)(b) applies in relation to the project; and

(c)any REZ transmission network for a REZ not mentioned in the infrastructure blueprint.

(c)any hub transmission network for a regional energy hub not mentioned in the system outlook.

13Public ownership strategytargets

(1)Each of the following is a public ownership target for a class of energy asset—

(a)that 100% of public ownership of generation assets publicly owned and in operation on the commencement of this subsection, and that continue in operation, is maintained;

(b)that public ownership of transmission and distribution assets is 100%;

(c)that public ownership of deep storage assets is 100%.

(2)The Minister must prepare a report about whether each public ownership target is being achieved—

(a)on 31 May 2027; and

(b)at further intervals of 2 years.

(3)The report must—

(a)include a description of how the percentage of publicly owned assets for each class of energy assets is worked out; and

(b)be published on the department’s website.

(1)The Minister must prepare a strategy (a public ownership strategy), for each reporting period, that—

(a)sets out the following targets for public ownership for each class of energy assets to be achieved by 2035—

(i)for generation assets—a stated percentage that is equal to or more than 54%;

(ii)for transmission and distribution assets—100%;

(iii)for deep storage assets—100%; and

(b)describes how the State proposes to achieve and maintain, or promote the achievement and maintenance of, the targets by 2035 during the reporting period; and

(c)describes how the State proposes to maintain ownership of each publicly owned coal-fired power station and publicly owned gas-fired power station in existence on the commencement.

(2)The Minister must—

(a)table the public ownership strategy in the Legislative Assembly—

(i)for the public ownership strategy for the reporting period starting 1 July 2025—on or before 31 December 2025; and

(ii)for the public ownership strategy for the reporting period starting 1 July 2030—on or before 31 December 2030; and

(b)publish the public ownership strategy for each reporting period on the department’s website.

(34)In this section—

class of energy assets means the following classes of assets in Queensland—

(a)generation assets;

(b)transmission and distribution assets;

(c)deep storage assets.

deep storage assets means assets for pumped hydro energy storage that are—

(a)capable of generating at least 1,500MW for 24 hours; and

(b)prescribed by regulation.

generation assets means assets that constitute a generating system for which a person is registered as a generator or intermediary under the National Electricity Rules, other than the following—

(a)assets that are—

(i)predominantly used to generate electricity for conversion to a form of energy suitable for export; and

(ii)prescribed by regulation;

(b)a generating system with a nameplate rating of less than 30MW;

(c)a generating system comprised of generating units with a combined nameplate rating of less than 30MW;

(d)an asset used for pumped hydro energy storage, including a deep storage asset;

(e)another asset that directly or indirectly uses electricity to create a stored source of energy that may later be converted by the generating system to electricity.

publicly owned gas-fired power station means a natural gas-fired power station in Queensland that is owned, wholly or partly and directly or indirectly, by a GOC.

public ownership, in relation to a class of energy assets, means—

(a)ownership, whether wholly or partly, of assets of the class by the Commonwealth, the State or a local government; or

(b)if the Commonwealth, the State or a local government directly or indirectly holds a right or interest in another entity that owns assets of the class—ownership, whether wholly or partly, of the assets by the other entity; or.

(c)an interest prescribed by regulation held in relation to assets of the class under an agreement or arrangement prescribed by regulation, to which the State or a GOC is a party, relating to electricity generated using the assets.

reporting period means each of the following periods—

(a)the period—

(i)starting on 1 July 2025; and

(ii)ending on 30 June 2030;

(b)the period—

(i)starting on 1 July 2030; and

(ii)ending on 30 June 2035.

transmission and distribution assets means assets that constitute the following, other than an asset excluded from this definition by regulation—

(a)a transmission system that is regulated by a transmission determination;

(b)a distribution system under the National Electricity (Queensland) Law that is regulated by a distribution determination under that Law;

(c)the REZ transmission network for a REZ.

(c)the hub transmission network for a regional energy hub.

17Purpose of part

The purpose of this part is—

(a)to facilitate the identification and construction of priority transmission investments; and

(b)to make provision for financial matters associated with the investments.

18Definitions for part

In this part—

assessment documents means documents declared by regulation to be assessment documents.

candidate priority transmission investment means an eligible priority transmission investment declared to be a candidate priority transmission investment under section 21section 24(1).

eligible priority transmission investment means a project prescribed as an eligible priority transmission investment under section 20(1).

identified need, for aan eligible priority transmission investment, candidate priority transmission investment or priority transmission investment, means the objective the investment is intended to achieve.

priority transmission investment see section 26(2).

19Reference to construction of candidate priority transmission investment or priority transmission investmentinvestments etc.

In this part, a reference to construction of aan eligible priority transmission investment, candidate priority transmission investment or a priority transmission investment is a reference to the construction, testing and commissioning of the infrastructure that is the subject of the investment.

20Eligible priority transmission investments

(1)A regulation may prescribe a project as an eligible priority transmission investment.

(2)The Minister may recommend to the Governor in Council the making of a regulation under subsection (1) prescribing a project as an eligible priority transmission investment only if the responsible Ministers areMinister is satisfied that—

(a)the project is identified in the infrastructure blueprintsystem outlook as part of the optimalstrategic infrastructure pathwaypath; or

(b)if paragraph (a) does not apply—

(i)since the Minister made the infrastructure blueprintsystem outlook under section 15(1), or last reviewed the infrastructure blueprintsystem outlook under section 16, the responsible Ministers haveMinister has become aware of information about changes in the likely production or storage of, or demand for, electricity in Queensland or a part of Queensland; and

(ii)the responsible Ministers have consulted the board in relation to the information; and

(iii)the Minister is satisfied that, had the Minister been aware of the information when making or reviewing the infrastructure blueprintsystem outlook, the Minister would have included the project in the infrastructure blueprintsystem outlook and identified the project as part of the optimalstrategic infrastructure pathwaypath.

(3)In this section—

project means a project for—

(a)the construction of infrastructure that transmits electricity and associated plant and equipment; and

(b)the acquisition of land associated with that construction.

24Responsible MinistersMinister may declare, and direct Powerlink to assess, candidate priority transmission investment

(1)If, after consulting with Powerlink and a suitably qualified person under section 22, the Minister decides that an eligible priority transmission investment should be assessed by Powerlink, the Minister may, by written notice given to Powerlink, declare the investment to be a candidate priority transmission investment.

(1)This section applies if—

(a)Powerlink has given the responsible Ministers a submission in response to a direction under section 22 about a candidate priority transmission investment; and

(b)the responsible Ministers have requested and received advice, and any further advice required, under section 23.

(2)The responsible Ministers mayIf the Minister makes a declaration under subsection (1), the Minister must immediately direct Powerlink to—

(a)assess the candidate priority transmission investment; and

(b)following the assessment, give a report to the responsible MinistersMinister stating—

(i)each option considered by Powerlink to address the identified need for the investment; and

(ii)the option to address the identified need for the investment that, in Powerlink’s opinion, maximises the net economic benefit associated with the investment consistent with—

(A)the achievement of the identified need; and

(B)the anticipated date for completion of construction of the investment stated forby the investment in the infrastructure blueprint orMinister in the direction given under section 22; and

(iii)any other matter the responsible Ministers directMinster directs Powerlink to include in the report.

(3)For subsection (2)(b)(ii), the option identified by Powerlink may have a negative net economic benefit.

(4)A direction under this section must state—

(a)the assessment documents, modified by the responsible MinistersMinister as stated in the direction, to be used by Powerlink to assess the candidate priority transmission investment; and

(b)an identified need for the investment decided by the responsible MinistersMinister; and

(c)the date by which the report must be given to the responsible Ministers.

(5)For subsection (4)(a), the modifications of the assessment documents must be the modifications the responsible Ministers considerMinister considers are appropriate and are as minimal as is practical.

25Responsible MinistersMinister must seek advice about Powerlink’s report

(1)If the responsible Ministers receiveMinister receives a report from Powerlink under section 24(2)(b) about a candidate priority transmission investment, the responsible MinistersMinister must seek advice on the report from a suitably qualified person.

(2)The advice the responsible MinistersMinister must seek is—

(a)whether Powerlink has assessed the candidate priority transmission investment in accordance with the direction given about the investment under section 24; and

(b)whether the expenditure on the investment proposed, or already made, by Powerlink is the expenditure that would be required by an efficient and prudent operator in Powerlink’s circumstances.

(3)The Minister may also seek advice from a suitably qualified person about any other matter relevant to whether a declaration should be made for the candidate priority transmission investment under section 26.

(34)A request for advice under subsection (2) or (3) must state the date by which the advice must be given to the responsible MinistersMinister.

(5)If the Minister seeks advice from a suitably qualified person under this section, the suitably qualified person may ask Powerlink for any information the person reasonably requires to give their advice.

(6)Powerlink must, within a reasonable time, give the requested information to the suitably qualified person.

(4)Powerlink must give the suitably qualified person any information the person reasonably requires to give their advice.

(57)If, following receipt of the advice, the responsible Ministers considerMinister considers Powerlink has not assessed the candidate priority transmission investment as directed, the responsible MinistersMinister may direct Powerlink to provide a replacement report under section 24(2)(b) that addresses the matters stated in the direction.

(68)Subsections (1) to (5)(7) apply in relation to the replacement report the subject of the direction under subsection (5)subsection (6) as if the replacement report were a report received under section 24(2)(b).

28Regulation-making power in relation to financial matters associated with priority transmission investments

(1)A regulation may—

(a)require Powerlink to include particular amounts associated with a priority transmission investment in a revenue proposal by Powerlink; or

(b)enable the responsible Ministers to direct Powerlink to—

(i)apply to the AER for the AER to amend Powerlink’s revenue determination to account for a priority transmission investment; or

(ii)include particular amounts associated with a priority transmission investment in a revenue proposal by Powerlink; or

(iii)apply to the AER for the AER to adjust the value of Powerlink’s regulatory asset base by particular amounts to account for a priority transmission investment; or

(c)require Powerlink to give information about a priority transmission investment, candidate priority transmission investment or eligible priority transmission investment to a particular entity, including the AER, for the purposes of an application or revenue proposal made acting under—

(i)a requirement under paragraph (a); or

(ii)a direction mentioned in paragraph (b); or

(d)provide for particular action to be taken by the AER in relation to Powerlink’s revenue determination, regulatory asset base or revenue proposal if Powerlink acts under—

(i)a requirement under paragraph (a); or

(ii)a direction mentioned in paragraph (b).

(2)In subsection (1)(a) and (b)(ii), a reference to particular amounts associated with a priority transmission investment includes a reference to expenditure on the investment, whether before or after the commencement, while the investment is in the form of—

(a)a candidate priority transmission investment; or

(b)an eligible priority transmission investment; or

(c)a project that is later prescribed under section 20 as an eligible priority transmission investment.

(3)In subsection (1)(b)(i) and (iii), a reference to accounting for a priority transmission investment includes a reference to accounting for expenditure on the investment, whether before or after the commencement, while the investment was in a form mentioned in subsection (2)(a), (b) or (c).

(4)In this section—

regulatory asset base has the same meaning as the term has in the National Electricity Rules.

revenue determination has the meaning given by the National Electricity Rules.

29PTI guidelines

(1)The responsible MinistersMinister may approve guidelines (PTI guidelines) for directing Powerlink, or consulting with or seeking advice from a suitably qualified person, under this part.

(2)If the Minister is not the Treasurer, the Minister must, before approving the guidelines under subsection (1), consult with the Treasurer about any guidelines relating to the Treasurer.

(23)The Minister must notify the making of the PTI guidelines in the gazette.

(34)The PTI guidelines take effect on the later of the following days—

(a)the day the making of the guidelines is notified in the gazette;

(b)the day the guidelines state they are to take effect.

(45)The Minister must publish the PTI guidelines on the department’s website.

(56)The following things must be done in accordance with the PTI guidelines—

(a)the giving of a direction to Powerlink under this part, including under a regulation made under section 28;

(b)consultation with, or the making of a request for advice from, a suitably qualified person under this part.

30Compliance with directions

(1)Powerlink must comply with a direction given to it by the Minister or responsible Ministers under this part.

(2)An act or decision of Powerlink’s board in purported implementation of a direction mentioned in subsection (1) is not invalid merely because of a failure to comply with the direction.

31Information given to suitably qualified person

A suitably qualified person who is given information by Powerlink under this part may disclose the information to the Minister or, if the Minister is not the Treasurer, the Minister or Treasurer.

Note—

See also the confidentiality requirement under section 173.

32Advice to Minister or Treasurer

(1)Nothing in this part limits the ability of the Minister or, if the Minister is not the Treasurer, the Minister or Treasurer, to seek the advice of another person about a matter under this part.

(2)The Minister or, if the Minister is not the Treasurer, the Minister or Treasurer, may disclose advice received under this part to Powerlink.

33Relationship with national electricity laws

(1)It is the intention of Parliament that this part applies despite anything stated in the national electricity laws.

(2)It is also the intention of Parliament that the national electricity laws continue to apply in relation to a priority transmission investment to the extent the national electricity laws are not inconsistent with this part.

(3)Subsection (4) applies in relation to a provision of this part, or a regulation under a provision of this part, that provides for a matter relating to a priority transmission investment to which the national electricity laws apply or would otherwise apply.

(4)A regulation—

(a)may provide for the application of a provision of the national electricity laws (a national provision) in relation to the priority transmission investment; and

(b)for that purpose, may—

(i)provide that a national provision does not apply in relation to a matter or applies in relation to a matter with stated modifications; and

(ii)state how other provisions of the national electricity laws apply in relation to a matter having regard to a national provision not applying or applying with stated modifications in relation to the matter.

(5)In this section, a reference to a priority transmission investment includes a reference to an eligible priority transmission investment or a candidate priority transmission investment.

35Purposes of part

The purposes of this part are—

(a)to provide for suitable parts of Queensland regions to be declared to be regional energy hubs; and

(b)to ensure relevant matters are taken into account in the declaration of regional energy hubs, including, for example, the impact of the declaration on Queensland communities; and

(a)to provide for parts of Queensland that are suitable to be renewable energy zones to be declared to be renewable energy zones; and

(b)to ensure the impact of the declaration of renewable energy zones on Queensland communities is appropriately considered; and

(c)to provide for coordinated and streamlined connection and access to transmission networks in renewableregional energy zoneshubs by regulating connection and access to—

(i)the transmission networks; and

(ii)transmission assets that materially affect, or willare likely to materially affect, the capacity or functioning of the transmission networks; and

(d)to facilitate and support the development and operation of transmission networks in renewableregional energy zoneshubs, including by providing for the recovery of costs associated with the provision of the transmission networks.

36Definitions for part

In this part—

connection agreement has the meaning given by the National Electricity Rules.

hub controlled assets, for a regional energy hub, means transmission assets that—

(a)materially affect, or are likely to materially affect, the capacity or functioning of the hub transmission network for the hub; and

(b)are outside the hub or inside the hub but not part of the hub transmission network for the hub; and

(c)are identified in the hub declaration for the hub as hub controlled assets for the hub.

hub declaration means the regulation under section 38 declaring a part of a Queensland region to be a regional energy hub.

hub design body—

(a)generally, means an entity appointed to be a hub design body under section 75; and

(b)in relation to a particular regional energy hub, means the hub design body that recommended the hub be declared.

hub transmission network, for a regional energy hub, means the transmission network, or a part of a transmission network, that is—

(a)in the hub; and

(b)identified in the hub declaration for the hub as the hub transmission network for the hub.

management plan, for a regional energy hub, means a management plan for the hub approved under section 47.

participant, for a regional energy hub, means an entity that has entered into a connection agreement for connection and access to the hub transmission network for the hub with the transmission network service provider.

regional energy hub means a part of a Queensland region that is declared under section 38 to be a regional energy hub.

regulate, in relation to connection and access to the hub transmission network or hub controlled assets for a regional energy hub, means authorise, prohibit, restrict or otherwise regulate.

relevant transmission network service provider, for hub controlled assets for a regional energy hub, means the transmission network service provider for the transmission system of which the hub controlled assets are a component.

management plan, for a REZ, means a management plan for the REZ approved under section 47.

participant, for a REZ, means an entity that has entered into a connection agreement for connection and access to the REZ transmission network for the REZ with the transmission network service provider.

regulate, in relation to connection and access to the REZ transmission network or REZ controlled assets for a REZ, means authorise, prohibit, restrict or otherwise regulate.

relevant transmission network service provider, for REZ controlled assets for a REZ, means the transmission network service provider for the transmission system of which the REZ controlled assets are a component.

renewable energy zone or REZ means a part of Queensland declared to be a renewable energy zone under section 38.

REZ assessment, for a part of Queensland, means a REZ assessment conducted under division 4 for the part.

REZ controlled assets, for a REZ, means transmission assets that—

(a)materially affect, or will materially affect, the capacity or functioning of the REZ transmission network for the REZ; and

(b)are outside the REZ or inside the REZ but not part of the REZ transmission network; and

(c)are identified in the REZ declaration for the REZ as REZ controlled assets for the REZ.

REZ declaration means the regulation declaring a part of Queensland to be a renewable energy zone under section 38.

REZ delivery body—

(a)generally, means an entity appointed to be a REZ delivery body under section 75; and

(b)in relation to a particular REZ, means the REZ delivery body that recommended the REZ be declared.

REZ transmission network, for a REZ, means the transmission network, or a part of a transmission network, that is—

(a)in the REZ; and

(b)identified in the REZ declaration for the REZ as the REZ transmission network for the REZ.

transmission asset has the meaning given by the National Electricity Rules.

transmission network service provider—

(a)generally, means a Transmission Network Service Provider under the National Electricity Rules; and

(b)in relation to a particular REZ, means Powerlink in its capacity as the Transmission Network Service Provider for the REZ transmission network for the REZ.

(b)in relation to a particular regional energy hub, means Powerlink in its capacity as the Transmission Network Service Provider for the hub transmission network for the hub.

37References to connection and access

In this part, the terms connection and access, in relation to a transmission network or transmission assets, have the same meaning as they have in the National Electricity Rules.

38Declaration of renewableregional energy zonehub

(1)A regulation may declare a part of a Queensland region to be a renewableregional energy zonehub.

(2)The Minister may recommend to the Governor in Council the making of a regulation under subsection (1)—

(a)if the Minister is not the Treasurer, only with the Treasurer’s approval; and

(b)only if a REZ deliveryhub design body has recommended the part of the Queensland region be declared to be a renewableregional energy zonehub and the Minister is satisfied—

(i)the part of Queenslandthe region is suitable to be a renewableregional energy zonehub; and

(ii)the declaration will help achieve the purposes of this Act mentioned in section 3(a) and (b).

Note—

See also section 40 for matters to which the Minister and the Treasurer must have regard when performing a function under this division.

(3)A regulation under subsection (1) must—

(a)identify—

(i)the Queensland region in which the regional energy hub is located; and

(ii)the geographic boundary of the regional energy hub; and

(a)identify the geographic boundary of the renewable energy zone; and

(b)state the objectives of the renewableregional energy zonehub; and

(c)identify—

(i)the management plan for the renewable energy zonehub; and

Note—

Under section 47(3), the Minister must keep a copy of the management plan available on the department’s website.

(ii)the existing or proposed transmission network, or the part of an existing or proposed transmission network, that is the REZhub transmission network for the renewableregional energy zonehub; and

(iii)the transmission assets that are REZ controlled assets for the renewable energy zone; and

(iii)the existing or proposed transmission assets that are hub controlled assets for the regional energy hub; and

(d)state the term of the declaration, which must be a stated period of not less than 15 years after the day on which the first participant is connected to the REZhub transmission network for the renewableregional energy zonehub.

(4)The Minister must, as soon as practicable, publish a notice on the department’s website stating the day on which the first participant is connected to the REZhub transmission network for the renewableregional energy zonehub.

39Term of declaration and restriction on amendment or repeal

(1)A REZhub declaration continues in effect for the term stated under section 38(3)(d), unless the declaration is repealed.

(2)The Minister may recommend to the Governor in Council the making of a regulation amending (including amending the term of the declaration) or repealing a REZhub declaration—

(a)if the Minister is not the Treasurer, only with the approval of the Treasurer; and

(b)only if the Minister is satisfied—

(i)the amendment or repeal will not adversely affect, in a material way, any participant for the REZregional energy hub; and

(ii)for an amendment—the amendment is consistent with achieving the purposes of this Act mentioned in section 3(a) and (b).

Note—

See also section 40 for matters to which the Minister and the Treasurer must have regard when performing a function under this division.

40Performance of functions under division

In performing a function under this division, the Minister and the Treasurer must have regard to—

(a)the system outlook; and

(b)the impact that the development and operation of a transmission network in a regional energy hub has, or is likely to have, on communities, including, for example, Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples; and

(a)the infrastructure blueprint; and

(b)any REZ assessment for a part of Queensland that is or includes the REZ; and

(c)any other matter the Minister or Treasurer considers relevant.

Example of another matter—

advice of the REZ deliveryhub design body or another entity obtained by the Minister or Treasurer in relation to the REZregional energy hub

41Content generally

(1)A management plan for a REZregional energy hub must—

(a)be consistent with achieving the purposes of this Act mentioned in section 3(a) and (b); and

(b)state the objectives of the REZhub; and

(c)identify—

(i)the Queensland region in which the hub is located; and

(ii)the geographic boundary of the hub; and

(i)the geographic boundary of the REZ; and

(ii)the renewable energy sources in the REZ; and

(iii)the REZhub transmission network for the REZhub; and

(iv)the REZhub controlled assets for the REZhub; and

(d)include the following information—

(i)the term of the declaration of the hub under section 38(3)(d);

(ii)information stated in section 42 about the REZhub transmission network for the REZhub;

(iii)information stated in section 43 about the REZhub controlled assets for the REZhub; and

(e)include any other matter prescribed by regulation.

(2)Subsection (1) does not limit what may be included in a management plan.

42Information about REZhub transmission network

(1)A management plan for a REZregional energy hub must contain the following information about the REZhub transmission network for the REZhub—

(a)the proposed timing of the development of, and connection and access to, the REZhub transmission network;

(b)details about the regulation of connection and access to the REZhub transmission network under this part, including each of the following—

(i)the capacity of the transmission network;

(ii)if more than 1 renewable energy source is available in the REZhub, the percentage of the capacity intended to be derived from each source;

(iii)technical requirements for connection to the transmission network;

(iv)the process to be used by the transmission network service provider to identify entities that may connect to and access the transmission network and the projects in relation to which the connection and access may be granted;

(v)the process to be used by entities mentioned in subparagraph (iv) and the transmission network service provider to enter into a connection agreement for connection and access to the transmission network, including, for example—

(A)the making, processing and assessing of applications or enquiries for the connection and access, including the timeframes for processing the applications or enquiries and the functions of AEMO in assessing the applications or enquiries; and

(B) fees and charges payable for applications or enquiries mentioned in subsubparagraph (A), including fees and charges for negotiating access standards under section 55 in relation to the connection and access; and

(A)fees and charges payable for applications or enquiries for the connection and access; and

(B)the timeframes for processing applications or enquiries for the connection and access; and

(C)information that must be provided to the service provider in relation to applications or enquiries for the connection and access;

(c)details about dispute resolution processes for disputes about connection and access to the REZ transmission network between the transmission network service provider and participants and proposed participants for the REZ;

(dc)any other arrangements that are to apply under this part to the operation of the REZhub transmission network while the REZhub declaration for the REZhub is in effect;

(ed)the arrangements that are to apply under this part in relation to the REZhub transmission network when the REZhub declaration for the REZhub ends.

(2)The process mentioned in subsection (1)(b)(iv)—

(a)must have regard to the following—

(i)the social licence criteria prescribed under the Electricity Act 1994, section 180(2)(f);

(ii)the capability and performance of entities to develop projects for the REZ transmission network and connect the projects to the transmission network;

(iii)the feasibility of projects to be developed and connected to the REZ transmission network within an appropriate timeframe; and

(b)may include stated criteria that must be satisfied for connection and access to the REZ transmission network.

Example of criteria—

an entity may connect to and access the REZ transmission network only if the social licence criteria mentioned in paragraph (a)(i) are satisfied

(2)The fees and charges mentioned in subsection (1)(b)(v)(B)—

(a)must not be more than the reasonable cost of performing the functions to which the fees and charges relate; and

(b)must include fees and charges payable to AEMO for performing its functions in relation to the applications or enquiries.

43Information about REZhub controlled assets

A management plan for a REZregional energy hub must contain the following information about REZhub controlled assets for the REZhub—

(a)details of how the REZhub controlled assets materially affect, or willare likely to materially affect, the capacity or functioning of the REZhub transmission network for the REZhub;

(b)the process to be used by the relevant transmission network service provider to identify entities that may connect to and access the REZhub controlled assets and the projects in relation to which the connection and access may be granted;

(c)any other matter relating to the regulation of connection and access to the REZhub controlled assets under this part.

45Draft management plan

(1)The REZ deliveryhub design body must prepare a draft management plan complying with subdivision 1 for the proposed REZregional energy hub, and submit the draft management plan to the responsible Ministers for endorsement.

(2)The REZ deliveryhub design body may ask the Minister to endorse the following matters to help the REZ deliveryhub design body prepare the draft management plan—

(a)the existing or proposed transmission network, or the part of an existing or proposed transmission network, that is proposed to be the REZhub transmission network for the REZregional energy hub;

(b)the proposed process to be included in the management plan under section 42(1)(b)(iv).

(3)The responsible Ministers may endorse the draft management plan if the responsible Ministers are satisfied the management plan complies with subdivision 1.

(4)The responsible Ministers may ask the REZ deliveryhub design body to make stated amendments to the draft management plan before the responsible Ministers endorse the draft management plan.

46Consultation on draft management plan

(1)The Minister must publish on the department’s website—

(a)the draft management plan for the proposed REZregional energy hub endorsed under section 45; and

(b)the following information—

(i)the period within which a person may make submissions to the REZ deliveryhub design body about the draft management plan;

(ii)how the submissions may be made.

(2)The period mentioned in subsection (1)(b)(i) must be at least 60 days after the draft management plan is published under subsection (1)(a).

(2)The period mentioned in subsection (1)(b)(i) must be—

(a)at least 60 days after the draft management plan is published under subsection (1)(a); or

(b)if the draft management plan is to replace an existing management plan for a REZ—a reasonable period decided by the Minister having regard to the nature of the changes between the existing management plan and draft management plan.

(3)The REZ deliveryhub design body must—

(a)consider each submission made in relation to the draft management plan; and

(b)make amendments to the draft management plan the REZ deliveryhub design body considers appropriate to deal with the submissions, if any; and

(c)give the responsible Ministers—

(i)a proposed management plan incorporating any amendments under paragraph (b); and

(ii)a report outlining the submissions made in relation to the draft management plan and how the submissions have been dealt with.

(4)The responsible Ministers may ask the REZ deliveryhub design body to make stated amendments to the proposed management plan to ensure the submissions made in relation to the draft management plan have been appropriately dealt with.

(5)The REZ deliveryhub design body must make the amendments to the proposed management plan requested under subsection (4).

47Approval of management plan

(1)A proposed management plan prepared under subdivision 2 or 4 for a part of a Queensland region declared to be a REZregional energy hub under section 38 takes effect as the management plan for the REZhub when the management plan is approved by regulation.

(2)The Minister may recommend to the Governor in Council the making of a regulation approving a management plan for a REZregional energy hub only if the responsible Ministers are satisfied—

(a)the management plan complies with subdivision 1; and

(b)subdivision 2 has been complied with in relation to the management plan.

(3)The Minister must keep a copy of the management plan for a REZregional energy hub available on the department’s website.

48Amendment of management plan

(1)A management plan for a REZregional energy hub may be amended only as provided under this section.

(2)The REZ deliveryhub design body may amend the management plan, with the approval of the chief executive—

(a)to correct a minor error in the management plan; or

(b)to update a matter mentioned in section 41(1)(b) or (c)(i), (iii)(c) or (iv)(d)(i) to reflect an amendment of the REZhub declaration for the REZregional energy hub; or

(c)to make a minor change to the technical specifications for the REZhub transmission network or REZhub controlled assets for the REZregional energy hub; or

(d)to make another change that is not a change of substance.

(3)The REZ deliveryhub design body may amend the management plan with the approval of the responsible Ministers to make a change that is consequential to an amendment of the REZhub declaration for the REZregional energy hub.

(4)If an amendment of the REZhub declaration for the REZregional energy hub changes the REZhub transmission network or REZhub controlled assets for the REZhub, the management plan may be amended under subsection (3) to the extent necessary to apply the management plan to the REZhub transmission network or REZhub controlled assets for the REZhub as changed.

(5)The responsible Ministers may approve an amendment of the management plan under subsection (3) only if satisfied the amendment does not—

(a)affect the operation of this part, other than as allowed under subsection (4); or

(b)adversely affect, in a material way, any participant for the REZregional energy hub.

(6)An amendment of a management plan for a REZregional energy hub under this section takes effect when the Minister publishes a copy of the management plan incorporating the amendment on the department’s website.

52Purpose of division

(1)This division provides for the regulation of connection and access to—

(a)the REZhub transmission network for a REZregional energy hub; and

(b)REZhub controlled assets for a REZregional energy hub.

(2)This division regulates the connection and access by—

(a)restricting the circumstances in which an entity may connect to and access the REZhub transmission network or REZhub controlled assets; and

(b)providing for a more streamlined process for the negotiation of access standards for the REZhub transmission network.

(3)This division also provides for the continued effect of particular rights and expectations relating to—

(a)a transmission network or a part of a transmission network that becomes the REZhub transmission network or a part of the REZhub transmission network for a REZregional energy hub; or

(b)transmission assets that become REZhub controlled assets for a REZregional energy hub.

53Definitions for division

In this division—

access policy has the meaning given by the National Electricity Rules.

access standard, for the hub transmission network for a regional energy hub, means a standard of performance for a technical requirement of access for plant connected, or to be connected, to the transmission network.

access standard, for the REZ transmission network for a REZ, means a standard of performance for a technical requirement of access for plant connected to the transmission network.

application to connect has the meaning given by the National Electricity Rules.

connection and access process, for the hub transmission network for a regional energy hub, means the process for entering into a connection agreement stated in the management plan for the hub under section 42(1)(b)(v).

designated network asset has the meaning given by the National Electricity Rules.

DNA service has the meaning given by the National Electricity Rules.

eligible entity means an entity—

(a)for the REZhub transmission network for a REZregional energy hub—identified under the process stated in the management plan for the REZhub, under section 42(1)(b)(iv), as an entity that may connect to and access the REZhub transmission network; or

(b)for REZhub controlled assets for a REZregional energy hub—identified under the process stated in the management plan for the REZhub, under section 43(b), as an entity that may connect to and access the REZhub controlled assets.

eligible project means a project—

(a)for the REZhub transmission network for a REZregional energy hub—identified under the process stated in the management plan for the REZhub, under section 42(1)(b)(iv), as a project in relation to which an entity may connect to and access the REZhub transmission network; or

(b)for REZhub controlled assets for a REZregional energy hub—identified under the process stated in the management plan for the REZhub, under section 43(b), as a project in relation to which to an entity may connect to and access the REZhub controlled assets.

plant has the meaning given by the National Electricity Rules.

54Restriction on connection and access to REZhub transmission network

(1)An entity may connect to and access the REZhub transmission network for a REZregional energy hub only under a connection agreement entered into between the entity and the transmission network service provider.

(2)The transmission network service provider may enter into a connection agreement for connection and access to the REZhub transmission network for a REZregional energy hub—

(a)only with an eligible entity for an eligible project; and

(b)only if any conditions on which the entity is an eligible entity or the project is an eligible project are met; and

(c)only in accordance with the process for entering into a connection agreement stated in the management plan for the REZ under section 42(1)(b)(v).

(c)only in accordance with the connection and access process for the transmission network.

(3)The terms and conditions of a connection agreement for connection and access to the REZhub transmission network for a REZregional energy hub entered into by the transmission network service provider and an eligible entity must be in accordance with—

(a)the matters mentioned in the management plan for the REZhub under section 42(1)(b)(i) to (iii); and

(b)the conditions mentioned in subsection (2)(b).

(4)The national electricity laws apply in relation to connection and access to the REZhub transmission network for a REZregional energy hub with necessary changes to give effect to the restriction on connection and access under this section, including, for example, by restricting—

(a)who may apply for connection and access to the transmission network; and

(b)the circumstances in which the transmission network service provider may enter into a connection agreement with an entity for connection and access to the transmission network.

(5)The dispute resolution processes for disputes about connection or access to the REZ transmission network for a REZ stated in the management plan for the REZ, under section 42(1)(c), apply—

(a)to any dispute about connection or access to the transmission network between the transmission network service provider and participants and proposed participants for the REZ; and

(b)despite anything in the national electricity laws.

55Negotiated access standards

(1)The transmission network service provider and a proposed participantrelevant entity for a REZregional energy hub may negotiate an access standard for the REZhub transmission network for the REZhub in the way, and in accordance with the requirements, prescribed by regulation.

(2)The regulation may prescribe—

(a)the process that is to apply to the negotiation, which may—

(i)provide for the extent to which AEMO is to be involved in the negotiation; and

(ii)permit or require the transmission network service provider to consider the performance of all participants for the REZhub as a whole when negotiating with individual proposed participantsa particular relevant entity; and

(b)requirements about—

(i)deciding the access standard; and

(ii)how performance against the access standard is to be assessed.; and

(c)arrangements for access standards for technical requirements for plant connected or to be connected, to the hub transmission network for a regional energy hub, under subdivision 3 or 4.

(3)An access standard negotiated under this section is taken to be a negotiated access standard determined in accordance with the National Electricity Rules.

(3)An access standard negotiated under this section is taken to be—

(a)an agreed standard of performance determined in accordance with the National Electricity Rules; and

(b)if included in a connection agreement—a negotiated access standard for the purposes of the National Electricity Rules.

(4)In this section—

relevant entity, for a regional energy hub, means an entity who proposes to be, or is, a participant for the hub.

56Connection agreement for REZhub transmission network entered into under this part

(1)This section applies in relation to a connection agreement for connection and access to the REZhub transmission network for a REZregional energy hub that is entered into in accordance with the national electricity laws except that—

(a)the agreement is entered into as provided under section 54; or

(b)the agreement includes an access standard negotiated under section 55.

(2)The connection agreement is taken to be a connection agreement entered into in accordance with the National Electricity Rules.

57Restriction on connection and access to REZhub controlled assets

(1)An entity may connect to and access REZhub controlled assets for a REZregional energy hub only under a connection agreement entered into between the entity and the relevant transmission network service provider.

(2)The relevant transmission network service provider may enter into a connection agreement for connection and access to REZhub controlled assets for a REZregional energy hub—

(a)only with an eligible entity for an eligible project; and

(b)only if any conditions on which the entity is an eligible entity or the project is an eligible project are met.

(3)The national electricity laws apply in relation to connection and access to REZhub controlled assets for a REZregional energy hub with necessary changes to give effect to the restriction on connection and access under this section, including, for example, by restricting—

(a)who may apply for connection and access to the REZhub controlled assets; and

(b)the circumstances in which the relevant transmission network service provider may enter into a connection agreement with an entity for connection and access to the REZhub controlled assets.

58Application of subdivision

(1)This subdivision—

(a)applies in relation to a transmission network or a part of a transmission network if the transmission network or the part of the transmission network becomes the REZhub transmission network, or a part of the REZhub transmission network, for a REZregional energy hub; and

(b)applies in relation to transmission assets if the transmission assets become REZhub controlled assets for a REZregional energy hub.

(2)For applying this subdivision in relation to a transmission network or a part of a transmission network mentioned in subsection (1)(a)—

(a)a reference to the REZhub transmission network is, or a reference topart of the REZhub transmission network, for a REZregional energy hub that the transmission network or the part of the transmission network has become or has become part of; and

(b)a reference to the relevant event is a reference to the commencement of the regulation under section 38(1) or 39 that includes the transmission network or the part of the transmission network as or as part of the REZhub transmission network for the REZhub.

(3)For applying this subdivision in relation to transmission assets mentioned in subsection (1)(b)—

(a)a reference to the REZhub controlled assets is a reference to the REZhub controlled assets for a REZregional energy hub that the transmission assets have become; and

(b)a reference to the relevant event is a reference to the commencement of the regulation under section 38(1) or 39 that includes the transmission assets as REZhub controlled assets for the REZhub.

59Existing applications to connect—REZhub transmission network

(1)An existing application to connect for a transmission network or a part of a transmission network in relation to which this subdivision applies made by an entity other than an eligible entity, or for a project other than an eligible project, for the REZhub transmission network lapses when the relevant event happens.

(2)An existing application to connect for a transmission network or a part of a transmission network in relation to which this subdivision applies made by an eligible entity for an eligible project for the REZhub transmission network is taken to be an application to connect to the REZhub transmission network for the eligible project made in accordance with the process for applying for connection and access stated in the management planprocess for the REZ under section 42(1)(b)(v)hub transmission network.

(3)Anything done in relation to an existing application to connect mentioned in subsection (2) is taken to have been done under the process for applying for connection and access stated in the management planprocess for the REZ under section 42(1)(b)(v)hub transmission network, to the extent the thing is relevant to and may be done under that process.

(4)This section does not apply to an existing application to connect for a transmission network or a part of the transmission network made for a declared project in relation to which subdivision 4 applies.

Note—

See section 66 in relation to existing applications to connect for a transmission network or a part of a transmission network made for a declared project in relation to which subdivision 4 applies.

(5)In this section—

existing application to connect, for a transmission network or a part of a transmission network in relation to which this subdivision applies, means an application to connect for the transmission network or the part of the transmission network made before the relevant event happened if, immediately before the relevant event happened—

(a)the application had not been withdrawn; and

(b)the assessment of the application under the National Electricity Rules had not been completed.

60Existing applications to connect—REZhub controlled assets

(1)An existing application to connect for transmission assets in relation to which this subdivision applies made by an entity other than an eligible entity, or for a project other than an eligible project, for the REZhub controlled assets lapses when the relevant event happens.

(2)An existing application to connect for transmission assets in relation to which this subdivision applies made by an eligible entity for an eligible project for the REZhub controlled assets is taken to be an application to connect for the REZhub controlled assets for the eligible project.

(3)Anything done in relation to an existing application to connect mentioned in subsection (2) continues to have effect under the National Electricity Rules in relation to the application to connect for the REZhub controlled assets for the eligible project.

(4)In this section—

existing application to connect, for transmission assets in relation to which this subdivision applies, means an application to connect for the transmission assets made before the relevant event happened if, immediately before the relevant event happened—

(a)the application had not been withdrawn; and

(b)the assessment of the application under the National Electricity Rules had not been completed.

61Existing connection agreements

(1)This section applies to an existing connection agreement for—

(a)a transmission network or a part of a transmission network in relation to which this subdivision applies; or

(b)transmission assets in relation to which this subdivision applies.

(2)The existing connection agreement continues in effect as a connection agreement for the REZhub transmission network or REZhub controlled assets for the REZregional energy hub.

(3)Subsection (2) applies despite any inconsistency with this part or the management plan for the REZregional energy hub.

(4)In this section—

existing connection agreement, for a transmission network or a part of a transmission network or transmission assets in relation to which this subdivision applies, means a connection agreement entered into for the transmission network or the part of the transmission network or the transmission assets that was in effect immediately before the relevant event happened.

62Existing rights to receive DNA services

(1)This section applies—

(a)if a transmission network or a part of a transmission network in relation to which this subdivision applies is or includes a designated network asset; and

(b)in relation to a right, whether conditional or unconditional, to receive a DNA service from the owner of the designated network asset that existed immediately before the relevant event happened (an existing DNA right).

(2)The relevant event does not affect the existing DNA right other than as provided under this section.

(3)An existing access policy for the designated network asset providing for the existing DNA right continues in effect under the National Electricity Rules to the extent necessary to preserve the existing DNA right under this section.

(4)An existing DNA agreement for the designated network asset relating to the existing DNA right applies—

(a)in relation to the REZhub transmission network for the REZregional energy hub; and

(b)despite any inconsistency with this part or the management plan for the REZhub.

(5)A regulation may provide for—

(a)how the existing DNA right, existing access policy or existing DNA agreement is to be given effect in relation to the REZhub transmission network for the REZregional energy hub; and

(b)any permitted or restricted variations of the existing DNA right, existing access policy or existing DNA agreement to allow the existing DNA right to be preserved under this section; and

(c)any other matter necessary to preserve the existing DNA right under this section.

(6)In this section—

existing access policy, for a designated network asset mentioned in subsection (1)(a), means an access policy for the designated network asset that was in effect under the National Electricity Rules immediately before the relevant event happened.

existing DNA agreement, for a designated network asset mentioned in subsection (1)(a), means an agreement providing for connection and access to the designated network asset that was in effect immediately before the relevant event happened.

63Holders of existing connection and access rights may enter into new connection agreement

(1)This section applies in relation to an entity that, under section 61 or 62, may connect to and access the REZhub transmission network for a REZregional energy hub that is a transmission network or a part of a transmission network in relation to which this subdivision applies.

(2)The entity may, within the opt-in period, give the transmission network service provider written notice stating the entity’s intention to seek connection and access to the REZhub transmission network under a connection agreement entered into in accordance with section 54(2)(c) and (3).

(3)If a notice is given under subsection (2), the entity may, within 14 days after the notice is given, apply for connection and access to the REZhub transmission network, and the transmission network service provider may enter into a connection agreement with the entity for connection and access to the REZhub transmission network, under this part as if—

(a)the entity were an eligible entity; and

(b)the project in relation to which the entity is seeking connection and access to the REZhub transmission network were an eligible project.

(4)The entity’s right to connect to and access the REZhub transmission network under section 61 or 62 continues to apply while the entity’s application under subsection (3) is being assessed.

(5)If the entity and transmission network service provider do not enter into a connection agreement under subsection (3), the entity’s right to connect to and access the REZhub transmission network under section 61 or 62 continues unaffected.

(6)If the entity and transmission network service provider enter into a connection agreement under subsection (3) (the new connection agreement)—

(a)the entity may connect to and access the REZhub transmission network in accordance with the new connection agreement; and

(b)the entity’s right to connect to and access the REZhub transmission network under section 61 or 62 ends; and

(c)any existing connection agreement under section 61, existing DNA agreement under section 62, or any other agreement relating to the entity’s right to connect to and access the REZhub transmission network under section 61 or 62, continues in effect to the extent the agreement—

(i)provides for a matter not provided for under this part or the new connection agreement; and

(ii)is consistent with this part and the new connection agreement.

(7)In this section—

opt-in period, in relation to a transmission network or a part of a transmission network in relation to which this subdivision applies, means the period of 4 weeks from when the relevant event happened.

64Application of subdivision

This subdivision applies in relation to a declared project if—

(a)the project is intended to be connected and have access to a transmission network or a part of a transmission network that, on the making of a REZhub declaration, becomes the REZhub transmission network, or a part of the REZhub transmission network, for a REZregional energy hub; and

(b)immediately before the REZhub declaration for the REZhub was made, at least 1 of the following existed for, or applied to, the project in relation to the transmission network or the part of the transmission network—

(i)a connection agreement;

(ii)a right, whether conditional or unconditional, to receive a DNA service from the owner of a designated network asset;

(iii)an access policy that was in effect;

(iv)an access policy that had been submitted to the AER for approval under the National Electricity Rules, but had not been approved or withdrawn.

65Meaning of declared project

(1)Each of the following is a declared project for this subdivision—

(a)the MacIntyre wind farm project;

(b)the Wambo wind farm project.

(2)For subsection (1)—

(a)the MacIntyre wind farm project is the wind farm project for the approved development described in the State Assessment and Referral Agency decision notice 2010-19438 SDA dated 20 April 2021; and

(b)the Wambo wind farm project is the wind farm project for the approved development described in the State Assessment and Referral Agency decision notice 2007-17946 SDA dated 13 October 2020.

66Application of ss 61 and 63 in relation to declared project

(1)Section 61 applies in relation to a declared project as if each of the following connection agreements for the transmission network or the part of the transmission network mentioned in section 64(a) were an existing connection agreement under section 61—

(a)a connection agreement providing for an entity to be connected to or have access to the transmission network or the part of the transmission network for the project that is in effect immediately before the REZhub declaration for the REZregional energy hub was made;

(b)a connection agreement providing for an entity to be connected to or have access to the transmission network or the part of the transmission network for the project that is entered into within 12 months after the REZhub declaration for the REZregional energy hub was made.

(2)For subsection (1)(b), an application to connect for the transmission network or the part of the transmission network may be made in relation to the declared project, and may be assessed or continue to be assessed, under the National Electricity Rules as if the REZhub declaration for the REZregional energy hub had not been made.

(3)Also, section 63 applies in relation to an entity that may connect to and access the REZhub transmission network for the REZregional energy hub for the declared project under section 61 as applying under this section as if the reference to the opt-in period were a reference to the period of 13 months from when the REZhub declaration for the REZhub was made.

67Application of ss 62 and 63 in relation to declared project

(1)Section 62 applies in relation to a declared project as if each of the following rights relating to a designated network asset that is or is part of the transmission network or the part of the transmission network mentioned in section 64(a) were an existing DNA right under section 62, and as provided under subsection (2)—

(a)a right, whether conditional or unconditional, to receive a DNA service from the owner of the designated network asset that existed for the declared project immediately before the REZhub declaration for the REZregional energy hub was made;

(b)a right, whether conditional or unconditional, to receive a DNA service from the owner of the designated network asset that is acquired for the declared project within 12 months after the REZhub declaration for the REZregional energy hub was made;

(c)a right, whether conditional or unconditional, to receive a DNA service from the owner of the designated network asset that is—

(i)of a kind provided for under a submitted access policy; and

(ii)acquired for the declared project under an approved access policy for the submitted access policy within 1 month after the access policy is approved by the AER.

(2)For subsection (1)—

(a)a submitted access policy may be dealt with by the AER under the National Electricity Rules as if the REZhub declaration for the REZregional energy hub had not been made; and

(b)an existing access policy or approved access policy for a submitted access policy—

(i)continues in effect under the National Electricity Rules to the extent necessary to confer or preserve a right mentioned in subsection (1); and

(ii)is taken to be an existing access policy under section 62 even if it is approved by the AER under the National Electricity Rules after the REZhub declaration for the REZregional energy hub was made; and

(c)an agreement providing for connection and access to the designated network asset entered into in relation to a right mentioned in subsection (1) is taken to be an existing DNA agreement under section 62 even if it is entered into after the REZhub declaration for the REZregional energy hub was made.

(3)Also, section 63 applies in relation to an entity that may connect to and access the REZhub transmission network for the REZregional energy hub for the declared project under section 62 as applying under this section as if the reference to the opt-in period were a reference to the following period—

(a)the period of 13 months from when the REZhub declaration for the REZhub was made;

(b)if the entity may connect to and access the REZhub transmission network in relation to a right acquired under an approved access policy for a submitted access policy—the period of 2 months from when the access policy was approved by the AER under the National Electricity Rules.

(4)In this section—

approved access policy, for a submitted access policy, means an access policy approved by the AER under the National Electricity Rules in relation to the submitted access policy.

existing access policy means an access policy mentioned in section 64(b)(iii).

submitted access policy means an access policy mentioned in section 64(b)(iv).

69Definitions for division

In this division—

application fees and charges, in relation to the hub transmission network for a regional energy hub, means fees and charges stated in the management plan for the hub under section 42(1)(b)(v)(B).

establishment and operational costs, for the hub transmission network for a regional energy hub, see section 69A.

establishment and operational costs, for the REZ transmission network for a REZ, means the costs reasonably and prudently incurred by the transmission network service provider for providing the transmission network, including, for example, costs incurred by the service provider, whether before or after the REZ declaration for the REZ was made, for any of the following—

(a)preparing a management plan in the service provider’s capacity as a REZ delivery body;

(b)constructing, maintaining and operating the transmission network;

(c)performing any other function under this part in relation to the transmission network, including a function (other than a function relating to a REZ assessment) performed in the service provider’s capacity as a REZ delivery body.

prescribed transmission service has the meaning given by the National Electricity Rules.

REZ assessment costs, for a REZ assessment for a part of Queensland, means costs reasonably and prudently incurred by the REZ delivery body that conducted the assessment for—

(a)conducting the assessment; and

(b)preparing a report about the assessment.

70Fees and charges for connection and access to REZhub transmission network

(1)The transmission network service provider may decide the fees and charges payable by a participant for connection and access to the REZhub transmission network for a REZregional energy hub.

(2)Fees and charges payable by a participant for connection and access to the hub transmission network do not include fees and charges for matters for which application fees and charges are payable.

(3)The amount of the fees and charges—

(a)must include an amount representing the participant’s contribution to AEMO’s costs incurred for performing functions under this Act, other than functions for which application fees and charges are payable; and

Example of a function for paragraph (a)—

a function of AEMO under a regulation under section 55(2), other than a function for which application fees and charges are payable

(b)may include an amount representing the participant’s contribution to the establishment and operational costs for the hub transmission network.

(2)The amount of the fees and charges may include an amount representing the participant’s contribution to the establishment and operational costs for the REZ transmission network.

(34)The fees and charges decided under this section are payable for the participant’s connection and access to the REZhub transmission network instead of any fees and charges payable for connection and access to the transmission network under the national electricity laws.

(5)Subsection (4) does not affect the application fees and charges payable in relation to the hub transmission network.

71Responsible Ministers may allow cost recovery through charges for prescribed transmission services

(1)This section applies in relation to the REZhub transmission network for a REZregional energy hub if the responsible Ministers are satisfied—

(a)the transmission network service provider has acted reasonably and prudently in giving access to the transmission network, including, for example, in relation to negotiating connection agreements and deciding fees and charges under section 70; and

(b)the transmission network service provider has used the service provider’s best endeavours to recover the establishment and operational costs for the transmission network from participants by charging fees and charges under section 70 or otherwise; and

(c)there is a shortfall between—

(i)the establishment and operational costs incurred by the transmission network service provider; and

(ii)the amount of fees and charges paid or payable by participants under section 70 or otherwise; and

(d)there is no reasonable way for the transmission network service provider to recover the shortfall other than through charges for prescribed transmission services provided by the service provider.

(2)The amount of the shortfall must be worked out using—

(a)the present value of the establishment and operational costs, taking into account any inflation since any of the costs were incurred; and

(b)the present value of the fees and charges paid by participants under section 70 or otherwise, taking into account any inflation since the fees and charges were paid; and

(c)the present value of the fees and charges that will be payable by participants under section 70 or otherwise in the future, disregarding any future inflation.

(23)The Minister may, by notice and, if the Minister is not the Treasurer, with the Treasurer’s approval, declare that all or a part of the shortfall may be recovered by the transmission network service provider through charges for prescribed transmission services provided by the service provider.

(34)The declaration must state—

(a)the amount of the shortfall that may be recovered through charges for prescribed transmission services provided by the transmission network service provider; and

(b)if, under subsection (2), the amount of the shortfall is worked out using the present value of an amount mentioned in the subsection—the way the present value is worked out; and

(bc)the period over which the amount mentioned in paragraph (a) may be recovered as mentioned in the paragraph; and

(d)how the amount mentioned in paragraph (a) may be adjusted over the period mentioned in paragraph (c) to allow for future inflation; and

(ce)the reasons why the responsible Ministers are satisfied of the matter mentioned in subsection (1)(d); and

(df)any other matter prescribed by regulation.

(45)A notice under subsection (2)subsection (3) is subordinate legislation.

75Appointment

The Minister may, by gazette notice, appoint any of the following entities to be a REZ deliveryhub design body, if the entity is appropriately qualified—

(a)a government entity;

(b)a regulatory body established under an Act of the Commonwealth;

(c)a government agency of the Commonwealth.

76Functions

(1)The functions of a hub design body are—

(a)to identify parts of Queensland regions that are suitable to be a regional energy hub and make recommendations to the Minister for the parts to be declared to be a regional energy hub; and

(b)to assess parts of Queensland regions identified in the system outlook as possibly suitable to be a regional energy hub, and decide whether to make recommendations to the Minister for the parts to be declared to be a regional energy hub; and

(c)to develop a management plan in accordance with division 3 for each part of a Queensland region the hub design body recommends to the Minister to be declared to be a regional energy hub; and

(d)to perform any other function for this part prescribed by regulation.

(1)The functions of a REZ delivery body are—

(a)to identify parts of Queensland that are suitable to be a REZ and make recommendations to the Minister for the parts to be declared to be a REZ; and

(b)to assess parts of Queensland identified in the infrastructure blueprint as possibly suitable to be a REZ, and decide whether or not to make recommendations to the Minister for the parts to be declared to be a REZ; and

(c)to develop a management plan in accordance with division 3 for each part of Queensland the REZ delivery body recommends to the Minister to be declared to be a REZ; and

(d)to conduct a REZ assessment for a part of Queensland on request of the Minister under division 4; and

(e)to perform any other function for this part prescribed by regulation.

(2)A REZ deliveryhub design body may delegate any of its functions to an appropriately qualified officer or employee of the REZ deliveryhub design body.

(3)A REZ deliveryhub design body must perform the functions of the REZ deliveryhub design body in a way that is consistent with achieving the purposes of this Act mentioned in section 3(a) and (b).

77Obtaining information for performing functions

(1)This section applies if a REZ deliveryhub design body has reason to believe that a relevant person has information the REZ deliveryhub design body requires to perform a function of the REZ deliveryhub design body under this part.

(2)The REZ deliveryhub design body may, by written notice given to the relevant person, require the person to give the information to the REZ deliveryhub design body.

(3)A notice under subsection (2) must state—

(a)the information the REZ deliveryhub design body requires; and

(b)the way the information must be given; and

(c)the date by which the information must be given to the REZ deliveryhub design body.

(4)A relevant person who is given a notice under subsection (2) must comply with the notice unless the person has a reasonable excuse.

Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.

(5)It is a reasonable excuse for an individual not to comply with a notice given under subsection (2) if complying with the notice might tend to incriminate the individual or expose the individual to a penalty.

(6)A relevant person may disclose information to the REZ deliveryhub design body under this section despite anything in the national electricity laws.

(7)A relevant person who complies with a notice under subsection (2) incurs no liability for breach of contract, breach of confidence or any other civil wrong for the compliance.

(8)In this section—

relevant person means—

(a)a person engaged or proposing to engage in an activity mentioned in the National Electricity (Queensland) Law, section 11(1), (2) or (4); or

(b)a participant or proposed participant for a REZregional energy hub; or

(c)another person who may hold information relevant to the operation of the national transmission grid in Queensland.

78Using information for performing function

(1)This section applies to the following information—

(a)information obtained by the REZ deliveryhub design body under section 77;

(b)other information held by the REZ deliveryhub design body about, or received from, a network service provider that the REZ deliveryhub design body requires to perform a function of the REZ deliveryhub design body under this part.

(2)The REZ deliveryhub design body—

(a)may use the information for performing a function of the REZ deliveryhub design body under this part; and

(b)may disclose the information to the Minister or Treasurer for the purpose of the Minister or Treasurer performing a function of the Minister or Treasurer under this part, including a function performed by the responsible Ministers.

(3)The REZ deliveryhub design body may use or disclose information under subsection (2) despite anything in the national electricity laws.

(4)Subsection (2) does not limit section 173.

(5)In this section—

network service provider means a Network Service Provider under the National Electricity Rules.

79Minister or Treasurer may obtain information for performing function

(1)This section applies if the Minister or Treasurer has reason to believe that a person has information the Minister or Treasurer requires to perform a function of the Minister or Treasurer under this part, including a function performed by the responsible Ministers.

(2)The Minister or Treasurer may, by written notice given to the person, require the person to give the information to the Minister or Treasurer.

(3)A notice under subsection (2) must state—

(a)the information the Minister or Treasurer requires; and

(b)the way the information must be given; and

(c)the date by which the information must be given to the Minister or Treasurer.

(4)A person who is given a notice under subsection (2) must comply with the notice unless the person has a reasonable excuse.

Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.

(5)It is a reasonable excuse for an individual not to comply with a notice given under subsection (2) if complying with the notice might tend to incriminate the individual or expose the individual to a penalty.

(6)A person may disclose information to the Minister or Treasurer under this section despite anything in the national electricity laws.

(7)A person who complies with a notice under subsection (2) incurs no liability for breach of contract, breach of confidence or any other civil wrong for the compliance.

(8)The Minister or Treasurer—

(a)may use information obtained under this section for performing a function of the Minister or Treasurer under this part, including a function performed by the responsible Ministers; and

(b)may disclose information obtained under this section to another person for the purpose of the other person performing a function of the other person under this part.

(9)Subsection (8) does not limit section 173.

80Minister or Treasurer may obtain advice for performing function

(1)The Minister or Treasurer may seek advice from the AER or an appropriately qualified person about any matter relevant to the performance of a function of the Minister or Treasurer under this part, including a function performed by the responsible Ministers.

(2)The advice the Minister or Treasurer may seek under this section includes advice about any of the following matters—

(a)whether a part of a Queensland region is suitable to be a REZregional energy hub;

(b)whether a proposed REZhub declaration for a regional energy hub will help achieve the purposes of this Act mentioned in section 3(a) and (b);

(c)whether a proposed amendment or repeal of a REZhub declaration for a REZregional energy hub under section 39(2)—

(i)will adversely affect, in a material way, any participant for the REZhub; or

(ii)for a proposed amendment—is consistent with achieving the purposes of this Act mentioned in section 3(a) and (b);

(d)whether a draft management plan for a proposed REZregional energy hub complies with division 3, subdivision 1;

(e)whether a proposed amendment of a management plan for a REZregional energy hub under section 48(3)—

(i)will adversely affect, in a material way, any participant for the REZhub; or

(ii)is consistent with achieving the purposes of this Act mentioned in section 3(a) and (b);

(f)any matter relevant to making a declaration under section 71 or 72.

(3)For the purpose of obtaining the advice, the Minister or Treasurer may give the AER or appropriately qualified person any information held by the Minister or Treasurer, including, for example, information received from a person under section 79.

Note—

See section 173 for the restriction on a person disclosing or using information obtained under this section.

(4)The AER must, if asked to give advice under subsection (1), give the advice as soon as reasonably practicable.

82Transmission network or part stops being REZhub transmission network or part

(1)This section applies if a transmission network or a part of a transmission network stops being a REZthe hub transmission network or a part of a REZthe hub transmission network for a REZregional energy hub, because any of the following (each a relevant event) happens—

(a)the term of the REZhub declaration for the REZhub ends;

(b)the REZhub declaration for the REZhub is repealed;

(c)the REZhub declaration for the REZhub is amended in a way that the transmission network or the part of the transmission network is no longer the REZhub transmission network or a part of the REZhub transmission network for the REZhub.

(2)From the happening of the relevant event, the national electricity laws apply in relation to the transmission network or the part of the transmission network in the same way as the laws apply to any other transmission network or a part of a transmission network.

(3)However—

(a)an access standard negotiated under section 55 for the transmission network or the part of the transmission network continues to be taken to be a negotiated access standard determined in accordance with the National Electricity Rules; and—

(i)continues to be an agreed standard of performance determined in accordance with the National Electricity Rules; and

(ii)if included in a connection agreement—is taken to be a negotiated access standard for the purposes of the National Electricity Rules; and

(b)a connection agreement to which section 56 applied for the transmission network or the part of the transmission network continues to be taken to be a connection agreement entered into in accordance with the National Electricity Rules.

(4)A regulation may provide for a matter to facilitate the transition of the transmission network or the part of the transmission network to the operation of the national electricity laws under this section.

83Authorisation for competition legislation

(1)The following conduct is specifically authorised by this Act for the purposes of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cwlth), section 51(1)(b) and the Competition Code of Queensland—

(a)conduct of an entity in the development of a management plan for a REZregional energy hub, including conduct relating to the preparation of, or consultation on, a draft of the management plan;

(b)conduct of an entity negotiating and entering into a connection agreement for the REZhub transmission network or REZhub controlled assets for a REZregional energy hub under this part;

(c)conduct of an entity related to regulating the connection and access to the REZhub transmission network or REZhub controlled assets for a REZregional energy hub under this part, including, for example—

(i)giving effect to a management plan for the REZhub; or

(ii)conduct under a connection agreement for the REZhub transmission network entered into under this part that relates to dispatch, dispatch bids, dispatch offers, or market ancillary service offers, within the meaning of the National Electricity Rules;

(d)conduct, of an entity, prescribed by regulation that is necessary or incidental to facilitate—

(i)a part of a Queensland region to be declared to be a REZregional energy hub, even if the part is not ultimately declared to be a REZregional energy hub (a proposed REZproposed regional energy hub); or

(ii)the development of a transmission network to be the REZhub transmission network for a REZregional energy hub or a proposed REZregional energy hub; or

(iii)the operation of the REZhub transmission network or REZhub controlled assets for a REZregional energy hub or a proposed REZregional energy hub; or

(iv)arrangements for connection and access to the REZhub transmission network or REZhub controlled assets for a REZregional energy hub or a proposed REZregional energy hub, including the transition of arrangements under the national electricity laws to arrangements under this part.

(2)However, anything authorised to be done by subsection (1) is authorised only to the extent to which it would otherwise contravene the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cwlth) or the Competition Code of Queensland.

84Relationship with national electricity laws

(1)It is the intention of Parliament that this part applies despite anything stated in the national electricity laws.

(2)It is also the intention of Parliament that the national electricity laws continue to apply in relation to the REZhub transmission network or REZhub controlled assets for a REZregional energy hub to the extent the national electricity laws are not inconsistent with this part.

(3)Subsection (4) applies in relation to a provision of this part, or a regulation under a provision of this part, that provides for a matter, relating to the REZhub transmission network or REZhub controlled assets for a REZregional energy hub, to which the national electricity laws apply or would otherwise apply.

(4)A regulation—

(a)may provide for the application of a provision of the national electricity laws (a national provision) in relation to the REZhub transmission network or REZhub controlled assets; and

(b)for that purpose, may—

(i)provide that a national provision does not apply in relation to a matter or applies in relation to a matter with stated modifications; and

(ii)state how other provisions of the national electricity laws apply in relation to a matter having regard to a national provision not applying or applying with stated modifications in relation to the matter.

85Job security guarantee

(1)It is the intention of Parliament that the State will provide security and support to affected energy workers in relation to employment matters, including, for example, by—

(a)providing training for, or access to, employment opportunities within the energy sector or another sector; and

(b)providing other benefits or opportunities in relation to the change in operations mentioned in section 86(2)(b), (3)(c) or (4)(d).

(2)The provision by the State of the security and support mentioned in subsection (1) is the job security guarantee.

86Who is an affected energy worker

(1)An individual is an affected energy worker if the individual is—

(a)an affected energy GOC worker; or

(b)a prescribed energy worker; or

(c)an affected energy contractor.

(2)For subsection (1), an individual is an affected energy GOC worker if—

(a)the individual is, or was, an employee employed by a GOC or an entity wholly or partly owned by a GOC—

(i)to perform work at a publicly owned coal-fired power station; or

(ii)whose role is, or was, predominantly related to the operations of a publicly owned coal-fired power station; and

(b)the individual has been, or will be, directly and adversely affected because of a change in operations, including the reduction or ceasing of operations, of the publicly owned coal-fired power station as a coal-fired power station as a consequence of achieving the optimalstrategic infrastructure pathwaypath objectives.

(3)Also, for subsection (1), an individual is a prescribed energy worker if—

(a)the individual performs work at a prescribed facility, other than as an employee mentioned in subsection (2); and

(b)the work is performed under a contract entered into—

(i)with the individual directly; or

(ii)with the entity that employs or engages the individual to perform the work; and

(c)the individual has been, or will be, directly and adversely affected because of a change in operations, including the reduction or ceasing of operations, of the prescribed facility as a consequence of achieving the optimalstrategic infrastructure pathwaypath objectives.

(4)In addition, for subsection (1), an individual is an affected energy contractor if—

(a)the individual performs work at a publicly owned coal-fired power station other than as an employee or contractor mentioned in subsection (2) or (3); and

(b)the work is performed under a contract entered into—

(i)with the individual directly; or

(ii)with the entity that employs or engages the individual to perform the work; and

(c)the total amount of work performed by the individual at 1 or more publicly owned coal-fired power stations meets or exceeds the amount prescribed by regulation for this paragraph; and

Example—

A regulation may prescribe an amount of time an employee performs work under 1 or more contracts at 1 or more power stations over a specified period of time.

(d)the individual has been, or will be, directly and adversely affected because of a change in operations, including the reduction or ceasing of operations, of the publicly owned coal-fired power station as a coal-fired power station as a consequence of achieving the optimalstrategic infrastructure pathwaypath objectives.

(5)In this section—

prescribed facility means a facility that—

(a)is either—

(i)a coal mine; or

(ii)an electricity generating facility; and

(b)is prescribed by regulation for this definition.

87Establishment of fund

The Job Security Guarantee Fund is established.

88Fund bank account

(1)The department must keep a fund bank account.

(2)The account is in addition to other accounts the department is required or permitted to keep under an Act.

(3)The chief executive must pay all amounts received for the fund into the fund bank account, including amounts appropriated by Parliament and any other amounts received by the department for the fund.

(4)The chief executive may pay amounts out of the fund bank account only in order to make a payment from the fund under section 90.

(5)The Treasurer may give the chief executive a direction about the banking arrangements for the fund bank account.

(6)The direction must be consistent with requirements applying to the department under this Act or another Act.

(7)The chief executive must comply with a direction given under subsection (5).

89Purposes of fund

The purposes of the fund are—

(a)to implement the job security guarantee; and

(b)to ensure a sufficient number of workers have the necessary skills to ensure the safe and reliable operation of publicly owned coal-fired power stations, to the extent the power stations are required to support the achievement of the optimalstrategic infrastructure pathwaypath objectives; and.

(c)to provide funding for—

(i)the council; and

(ii)the jobs advocate.

90Payments from fund

(1)The chief executive and under-Treasurer must decide jointly whether to make a payment from the fund.

(2)An amount may be paid from the fund only if the amount will, or is likely to, contribute to achieving a purpose of the fund.

(3)In making a payment from the fund, the chief executive and under-Treasurer must have regard to the following matters—

(a)how effectively the payment will contribute to achieving a purpose of the fund;

(b)whether the payment is the most practical or cost-effective way to achieve a purpose of the fund;

(c)whether there are alternative sources of funding available for the purpose for which the proposed payment is to be made;

(d)advice given by the council to the chief executive and under-Treasurer in relation to the payment;

(ed)any other matter prescribed by regulation.

(4)A regulation must prescribe the categories of costs for which amounts may be paid from the fund under subsection (2).

Examples of categories—

•training costs to support affected energy workers in gaining employment within the energy sector or another sector

•relocation costs for particular affected energy workers to support continued employment within the energy sector

•categories of costs necessary to achieve the purpose of the fund mentioned in section 89(b)

(5)A regulation may prescribe—

(a)requirements or obligations that must be complied with by a recipient or proposed recipient of a payment from the fund; and

Example of requirements or obligations—

A regulation may require fund recipients to report on the use of the funds.

(b)for a category of costs prescribed under subsection (4)—the entities to which, or the affected energy workers in relation to whom, amounts for the costs are to be paid; and

(c)any other matter necessary or convenient to ensure the fund is administered—

(i)in accordance with this Act; and

(ii)in an effective and efficient way.

(6)Before the Minister recommends to the Governor in Council the making of a regulation under this section, the chief executive must consult with the under-Treasurer and the council about the proposed regulation.

91Fund guideline

(1)The chief executive and under-Treasurer may make a guideline about the administration of the fund under this part, including—

(a)procedures relating to making payments from the fund; and

(b)procedures for dealing with complaints about payments from the fund.

(2)The chief executive and under-Treasurer must comply with the guideline in administering the fund.

92Reporting requirement

The department must include the following information about the fund in the department’s annual report under the Financial Accountability Act 2009, section 63—

(a)the total funds held in the fund bank account kept under section 88 when the annual report is prepared; and

(b)a summary of the payments made from the fund for the financial year; and

(c)a description of how the payments have contributed to achieving the purposes of the fund.

170A Application of transmission ring-fencing rule

(1)The transmission ring-fencing rule and other provisions of the national electricity laws apply to Powerlink subject to a regulation made under this section.

Note—

See also sections 33 and 84.

(2)A regulation—

(a)may provide for the application of the transmission ring-fencing rule to Powerlink; and

(b)for that purpose, may—

(i)provide that the transmission ring-fencing rule does not apply to Powerlink in relation to a matter or applies in relation to a matter with stated modifications; and

(ii)state how other provisions of the National Electricity Rules apply in relation to a matter having regard to the transmission ring-fencing rule not applying or applying with stated modifications to Powerlink in relation to the matter.

(3)Without limiting subsection (2)(b)(i), a regulation may provide that—

(a)a stated requirement of the transmission ring-fencing rule does not apply to Powerlink; and

(b)another requirement applies in place of the requirement mentioned in paragraph (a).

Example—

The regulation may provide that 1 or more requirements, or all of the requirements, of a former version of the ‘Transmission ring-fencing guidelines’ made under the National Electricity Rules apply to Powerlink in place of 1 or more requirements, or all of the requirements, of the current version of the guidelines.

(4)The Minister may recommend to the Governor in Council the making of a regulation under this section only if the Minister is satisfied the regulation is necessary to achieve the main purposes of this Act stated in section 3(a) or (b) by enabling Powerlink to comply with this Act.

(5)In this section—

transmission ring-fencing rule means—

(a)the National Electricity Rules, rule 6A.21; and

(b)the ‘Transmission ring-fencing guidelines’ made under that rule.

170B Validation of particular acts and omissions of Powerlink

(1)This section applies if—

(a)during the period starting on 1 March 2024 and ending on the day a regulation is made under section 170A, an act done, or omission made, by Powerlink contravenes the transmission ring-fencing rule within the meaning of that section; and

(b)the act or omission would, if it had occurred after the day a regulation is made under section 170A, have been valid and lawful under the national electricity laws.

(2)For the national electricity laws, the act or omission is declared to be, and to have always been, valid and lawful.

170C Review of operation of regulation made under section 170A

(1)The Minister must, within 3 years after a regulation is first made under section 170A, review the operation of the regulation.

(2)In conducting the review, the Minister must—

(a)consult with Powerlink and the AER; and

(b)consider whether the regulation continues to be necessary to achieve the main purposes of this Act stated in section 3(a) or (b) by enabling Powerlink to comply with this Act.

(3)To remove any doubt, it is declared that this section does not prevent the Minister from reviewing the operation of the regulation at any time.

170D Expiry

This division expires on 31 December 2035.

171Definition for division

In this division—

official means—

(a)the Minister; or

(b)the Treasurer; or

(c)the chief executive; or

(d)a hub design body; or

(d)the board or a board member; or

(e)the council or a council member; or

(f)the jobs advocate; or

(g)a REZ delivery body; or

(he)a public service employee performing functions under or relating to the administration of this Act.

172False or misleading information

(1)A person must not, in relation to the administration of this Act, give an official information the person knows is false or misleading in a material particular.

Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.

(2)Subsection (1) does not apply to a person if the person, when giving information in a document—

(a)tells the official, to the best of the person’s ability, how the document is false or misleading; and

(b)if the person has, or can reasonably obtain, the correct information—gives the correct information.

173Confidentiality

(1)This section applies to the following persons (each a relevant person)—

(a)a person who—

(i)is, or has been, an official; and

(ii)in that capacity, has acquired or has access to confidential information about another person;

(b)Powerlink, if Powerlink has acquired, or has access to, confidential information about another person under this Act;

(c)a person who is, or has been, a suitably qualified person if the person has acquired, or has access to, confidential information about another person;

(d)a person who has acquired, or has access to, confidential information about another person under section 80.;

(e)a person who has acquired, or has access to, confidential information about another person under section 97.

(2)The relevant person must not disclose the information to anyone else, or use the information, other than under this section.

Maximum penalty—100 penalty units.

(3)The relevant person may disclose or use the information—

(a)to the extent the disclosure or use is—

(i)necessary to perform the person’s functions under or relating to this Act; or

(ii)otherwise required or permitted under this Act or another law; or

(b)with the consent of the person to whom the information relates; or

(c)in compliance with a lawful process requiring production of documents to, or giving evidence before, a court or tribunal.

(4)In this section—

confidential information—

(a)means information that—

(i)could identify an individual; or

(ii)is about a person’s current financial position or financial background; or

(iii)would be likely to damage the commercial activities of a person to whom the information relates; but

(b)does not include—

(i)information that is publicly available; or

(ii)statistical or other information that could not reasonably be expected to result in the identification of the person to whom the information relates.

174Protecting officials from liability

(1)An official is not civilly liable for an act done, or omission made, honestly and without negligence under this Act.

(2)If subsection (1) prevents a civil liability attaching to an official, the liability attaches instead to the State.

(3)This section—

(a)does not apply to an official who is a prescribed person under the Public Sector Act 2022; and

Note—

For protection from civil liability for prescribed persons under the Public Sector Act 2022, section 267, see section 269 of that Act.

(b)applies to a REZ deliveryhub design body only in relation to the performance of a function of the REZ deliveryhub design body under this Act that is prescribed by regulation.

175Delegation

(1)The Minister may delegate the Minister’s functions under this Act, other than the functions mentioned in subsection (2), to an appropriately qualified public service employee employed by the department.

(2)The Minister must not delegate—

(a)the Minister’s functions under section 20, 26(2), 27(1) or (4) or 29(1); or

(b)the Minister’s function of giving a direction under a regulation made under section 28(1)(b); or

(c)any of the following functions of the Minister under part 6—

(i)a function under part 6, division 2, other than publishing a notice under section 38(4);

(ii)a function under part 6, division 3, other than publishing a management plan, or a copy of a management plan, for a REZ under section 46(1), 47(3) or 48(6);—

(A)publishing a management plan, or a copy of a management plan, for a regional energy hub under section 46(1), 47(3), 48(6) or information under section 49(3); and

(B)deciding the period mentioned in section 46(1)(b)(i) under section 46(2) or 49(4);

(iii)a function under part 6, division 6;

(iv)a function under section 75.;

(d)the Minister’s functions under section 96 or 98.

(3)The Treasurer may delegate the Treasurer’s functions under sections 21 to 25, 50, 79sections 79 and 80 to an appropriately qualified public service employee employed by Queensland Treasury.

(4)The chief executive may delegate the chief executive’s functions under this Act to an appropriately qualified public service employee employed by the department.

(5)The under-Treasurer may delegate the under-Treasurer’s functions under sections 90 and 91 to an appropriately qualified public service employee employed by Queensland Treasury.

(6)In this section—

functions includes powers.

176Review of particular parts of Act

(1)The Minister must review the operation and effectiveness of parts 7, 8, 9 and 10part 7 of this Act as soon as practicable after the day that is 5 years after the commencement.

(2)The Minister must also review the operation and effectiveness of part 7 every 5 years after the review mentioned in subsection (1).

(3)The Minister must table a report about the outcome of each review in the Legislative Assembly.

177Regulation-making power

(1)The Governor in Council may make regulations under this Act.

(2)A regulation may—

(a)prescribe fees payable under this Act; and

(b)provide for a maximum penalty of 20 penalty units for a contravention of a regulation.

section 6

access policy, for part 6, division 5, see section 53.

access standard, for the REZhub transmission network for a REZregional energy hub, for part 6, division 5, see section 53.

AEMO means Australian Energy Market Operator Limited ACN 072 010 327.

AER means the Australian Energy Regulator established under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cwlth), section 44AE.

affected energy worker see section 86(1).

application to connect, for part 6, division 5, see section 53.

assessment documents, for part 5, see section 18.

candidate priority transmission investment see section 18.

connection agreement, for part 6, see section 36.

declared project, for part 6, division 5, subdivision 4, see section 65.

designated network asset, for part 6, division 5, see section 53.

disclose includes give access to.

DNA service, for part 6, division 5, see section 53.

eligible entity, for part 6, division 5, see section 53.

eligible priority transmission investment see section 18.

eligible project, for part 6, division 5, see section 53.

fund means the Job Security Guarantee Fund established under section 87.

government company see the Government Owned Corporations Act 1993, section 2.

government entity means—

(a)an entity that represents the State; or

(b)a registry or other administrative office of a court of the State; or

(c)a GOC; or

(d)a government company; or

(e)a local government; or

(f)an instrumentality or agency of a local government; or

(g)a corporation, or a subsidiary of a corporation, owned by a local government; or

(h)an entity established under an Act, or under an authorisation given by the State, for a public purpose, other than an entity mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (g); or

(i)a part of an entity mentioned in any of paragraphs (a) to (h).

identified need, for a candidate priority transmission investment, for part 5, see section 18.

information includes a document.

Integrated System Plan means the Integrated System Plan, published by AEMO, as in force from time to time.

job security guarantee see section 85(2).

management plan, for a REZregional energy hub, for part 6, see section 36.

nameplate rating has the meaning given by the National Electricity Rules.

national electricity laws means the National Electricity (Queensland) Law and the National Electricity Rules.

National Electricity Rules see the National Electricity (Queensland) Law, section 2(1).

national transmission grid has the meaning given by the National Electricity (Queensland) Law.

official, for part 11, division 2, see section 171.

participant, for a REZregional energy hub, for part 6, see section 36.

plant, for part 6, division 5, see section 53.

Powerlink means Queensland Electricity Transmission Corporation Limited ACN 078 849 233.

prescribed transmission service, for part 6, division 6, see section 69.

priority transmission investment see section 26(2).

publicly owned coal-fired power station means a coal-fired power station in Queensland that is owned, wholly or partly and directly or indirectly, by a GOC.

pumped hydro energy storage means the storage of energy using water reservoirs at different elevations, in which energy may be stored by pumping water to a higher reservoir and from which energy may be generated by allowing the water to move to a lower reservoir through a turbine.

regulate, in relation to connection and access to the REZhub transmission network or REZhub controlled assets for a REZregional energy hub, for part 6, see section 36.

relevant transmission network service provider, for REZhub controlled assets for a REZregional energy hub, for part 6, see section 36.

revenue proposal means a Revenue Proposal under the National Electricity Rules.

suitably qualified person means—

(a)a person prescribed by regulation; or

(b)a person the Minister considers is suitably qualified; or

(c)the AER.

transmission determination has the meaning given by the National Electricity Rules.

transmission network has the meaning given by the National Electricity Rules.

transmission network service provider, for part 6, see section 36.

transmission system has the meaning given by the National Electricity Rules.

under-Treasurer means the chief executive of Queensland Treasury.