At Stanwell, we deeply value the support of the communities we operate in and understand that our ability to operate relies on the support of the people who live near our energy assets. We're not just here to generate energy — we're committed to enhancing the social, economic, and environmental outcomes in the areas in which we operate.

Sharing Benefits

Stanwell has set up grants for regional communities to invest in the people and projects that shape our communities. From supporting local schools and non-profits to funding innovative sustainability initiatives, we're committed to positively impacting the lives of those around us.

We work closely with community leaders to understand the needs of our host communities and provide funding for the things that are most important to them and prioritise projects that make a genuine quality of life contribution to our communities in the Southern and Central Queensland.

In the last financial year (2023-4) we invested $601,000 in 103 community based projects.

Read more about how to apply for our grants below.

HOW WE ENGAGE:

Around each of our projects and sites, we set up different ways to engage and get involved:

• Pre-project engagement

  We identify and engage with impacted stakeholders in the planning stages of a project. The timing and method of the engagement is dependent on the type and scale of the project.

  Stanwell’s Stakeholder Engagement team is responsible for understanding stakeholder concerns and expectations and exploring opportunities to deliver benefits to the community. This understanding is built using various engagement methods, including face-to-face meetings, stakeholder surveys, drop-in sessions, and community forums.

  Often, Stanwell will become involved in a project that is in the late phase of development or even construction. In these instances, where community consultation has already been completed, it is important for Stanwell to undertake our own community analysis. This may involve conversations with key community stakeholders, such as Traditional Custodians, landholders and the local council, and business and industry groups.

• Landowner engagement

  Our energy projects often impact neighboring landholders. By focusing on minimising impacts and fostering long-term and positive relationships, we aim to ensure that our projects are mutually beneficial and supportive of landholders' interests.

• Traditional Custodians and First Nations People

  Our approach to First Nations engagement is grounded in the belief that meaningful, long-term partnerships are the foundation for cultural understanding and mutual benefit. We recognise that building genuine, respectful, and long-term relationships with Traditional Custodians and First Nations people is unique in each community.

  First Nations Engagement Advisors are embedded in our Stakeholder Engagement teams and provide specialised support and advice to our business to ensure that we consider the unique perspectives of First Nations communities in our work.

  We are focussed on maturing our approach to First Nations engagement to ensure the energy transition delivers meaningful outcomes for First Nations people and communities. Our teams are guided by the Leading Practice Principles First Nations and Renewable Energy Projects from the Clean Energy Council.

• Community engagements

  Once an asset is in construction or operational, our engagement becomes a lot more regular. We are here to provide updates, listen to concerns, and provide regular feedback to the development and operational teams from the community.

  Our engagement includes face-to-face meetings and hosting community forums.

  

• Business engagements

  Providing local businesses with opportunities is an ongoing activity. We engage with local chambers of commerce, business associations and industry bodies to share opportunities and connect them with Stanwell’s supplier network. Click here to register as a local service provider.

• Local government engagement

  As a Government Owned Corporation, we have regular engagements with our shareholders at State level as well as with the key councillors and departments at local and district level, providing feedback on community sentiment, issues and proposals.

LOCAL CHOICES

1. To support communities to build local capacity to positively manage change and unlock the benefits associated with the energy transformation.

2. To promote diverse economies, enabling diverse land uses, and coexistence between industries where possible, to maintain and strengthen local economies.

3. To foster environmental resilience and deliver better biodiversity outcomes and contribute towards meeting climate targets.

LOCAL BENEFITS

1. To share lasting benefits with communities - creating opportunities to share the economic, social and environmental benefits of energy transformation.

2. To expand workforce opportunities and secure livelihoods - fostering opportunities through training, promoting workforce diversity and embedding secure work.

3. To build local and buy local by expanding local procurement, manufacturing and supply chain opportunities, working with local businesses to enable greater participation.