RWE and Cassowary Coast Regional Council sign $3.45 million Community Benefit Agreement for Tully battery project

• Community Benefit Fund Benefit Fund to receive $150,000 per year for Tully community fund and trainee position
• Office opened by Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor

RWE and Cassowary Coast Regional Council (CCRC) have signed a $3.45 million Community Benefit Agreement (CBA) and officially opened the Tully Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project office, marking a significant milestone for the Tully region and Far North Queensland's clean energy future.

The CBA supports the development of the Tully BESS, currently the largest battery energy storage project proposed for Far North Queensland, and will deliver long-term investment directly into the local community over a 23-year period. At the heart of the agreement is the establishment of the RWE Tully Community Fund, which will provide sustained funding support for local initiatives across Tully and surrounding areas.

The fund will deliver:

• $125,000 per annum aligned with Council's community grants program
• $25,000 per annum to support a dedicated local Tully trainee position responsible for administering the fund

Funding will commence during the construction phase of the project, with priorities guided by an RWE Tully Community Benefit Group to ensure the program remains community-led and tailored to local needs. The CBA was co-designed by RWE and Council through a collaborative process informed by the project's Social Impact Assessment.

Dan Belton, CEO, RWE Renewables Europe & Australia: "We are proud to partner with Cassowary Coast Regional Council on a Community Benefit Agreement shaped through genuine collaboration and informed by community feedback. The RWE Tully Community Fund has been specifically tailored for local communities and will provide long-term support to the initiatives that matter most to local residents. This agreement, and the opening of our project office in the heart of the town, reflect our long-term commitment to Tully and surrounds. We also encourage local businesses and contractors to speak with us about the 28 work packages currently open as part of the project's development phase." 

Cr Teresa Millwood, Mayor, Cassowary Coast Regional Council: ”This agreement represents an important long-term investment into the Tully community and demonstrates what can be achieved through strong collaboration between Council, industry and the community. The establishment of the RWE Tully Community Fund and support for a dedicated local trainee position will help ensure tangible benefits flow back into local communities for many years to come. We also welcome the opening of the Tully Project Office, which provides an accessible place for residents, local businesses and stakeholders to connect directly with the project team and stay informed as the project progresses.”

The Tully Project Office will serve as an ongoing information hub and community engagement point throughout the project lifecycle.

For more information visit tullybess.com.au.

RWE Renewables Australia

 Australia is one of RWE’s focus markets, where it has been present since 2013. In 2021, the company commissioned the Limondale Solar Farm in Balranald, New South Wales. The largescale solar farm is made up of 872,000 panels and generates enough electricity to power about 105,000 homes per year. RWE’s Australian team is developing a portfolio of wind, solar, and battery storage projects across the country, supported by the global RWE team.

Battery storage at RWE

 RWE develops, builds and operates battery storage systems in the US, Europe and Australia. The company currently operates battery storage systems with a total capacity of 1.7 gigawatts (GW), with a further approximately 2.5 GW under construction. As an integral part of its growth strategy, RWE plans to significantly expand its battery storage capacities worldwide.