Full Name
Anthony Russo
Job title
Head of Development
Organisation
Aula Energy
Speaker bio
Anthony leads Aula Energy's development portfolio, established by Macquarie as its exclusive vehicle for development, delivery, operations and ownership of onshore renewables and integrated storage in Australia and New Zealand. He combines his more than 25 years of professional experience with Australia's largest publicly listed companies (RIO, BHP, MQG), development, consulting and Government roles with his lived experience growing up on the land in regional Queensland, to unlock resources for mutual benefit with stakeholders in host communities. Anthony will talk about the journey of genuine engagement with stakeholders and building trust during the development of the Boulder Creek Wind Farm to financial close (to proceed with construction).
Speaking At
Presentation title
From Engagement to Endorsement - Best Practices for Earning Social Licence at the Boulder Creek Wind Farm
Presentation summary
Boulder Creek Wind Farm is located in Central Queensland, approximately 40 km southwest of Rockhampton. Wind resource monitoring first commenced on site in 2018 with stakeholder engagement on initial feasibility studies commencing in 2020. In 2024, the project reached financial investment decision to proceed with construction which commenced in November 2024.
The project commenced construction with social licence earned at a time with significant stakeholder concerns in the region around cumulative impacts and adequacy of community engagement.
The region is emerging as an attractive destination for renewable energy projects in Queensland, resulting in action groups forming in the region, opposing nearby projects.
The presentation will compare / contrast Boulder Creek Wind Farm with other projects in the region, sharing key lessons learned and insights going from engagement to endorsement in building social licence.
The project commenced construction with social licence earned at a time with significant stakeholder concerns in the region around cumulative impacts and adequacy of community engagement.
The region is emerging as an attractive destination for renewable energy projects in Queensland, resulting in action groups forming in the region, opposing nearby projects.
The presentation will compare / contrast Boulder Creek Wind Farm with other projects in the region, sharing key lessons learned and insights going from engagement to endorsement in building social licence.
