Queensland's state planning minister has invoked call-in powers for the Capricorn battery energy storage system in Bouldercombe, following concerns raised by local officials about its potential environmental impacts. The 300 MW project, backed by the federal Capacity Investment Scheme, faces a rigorous state assessment amid claims it could threaten the Great Barrier Reef. Community opposition highlights issues like noise, contamination risks, and insufficient engagement.
The Capricorn battery energy storage system (BESS), developed by Potentia Energy, is a 300 MW, four-hour facility proposed for Bouldercombe in Queensland's Rockhampton region. Submitted to Rockhampton Regional Council in February 2025, the project received a recommendation for approval with conditions on December 9, 2025. However, no decision followed, prompting Potentia to appeal to the Planning and Environment Court on December 10 for a deemed refusal.
On Wednesday, state planning minister Jarrod Bleijie announced the call-in of the development application, initially requested in January by Rockhampton deputy mayor Drew Wickerson and LNP member for Mirani Glenn Kelly. Bleijie cited 157 properly made public submissions to the council and 324 representations on the proposed call-in, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive review.
Kelly's letter outlined concerns including inadequate community engagement, noise and light effects, and environmental risks such as land and water contamination. It warned of potential damage to neighboring agricultural land and the Great Barrier Reef if contaminated runoff enters the Fitzroy Basin. In his notice, Bleijie stated: “The representations received in response to my proposed call in notice also demonstrate a significant community interest in the proposal. The nature of the proposal is that it has the potential for benefits with respect to electricity storage and generation but also social, economic and environmental impacts.”
This marks the third renewable project targeted by Bleijie, following the Gin Gin battery and wind farms like the 700 MW Marmadua Energy Park and 1.32 GW Middle Creek Energy Hub. It echoes his May 2025 cancellation of the Moonlight Range wind project, which he attributed to insufficient consultation, declaring: “Over my dead body will it ever be approved.” The LNP government, in power since late 2024, has scrapped renewable targets and committed to extending coal-fired generators to 2050.
Potentia described the $500 million project as offering over $3.5 million in community benefits, up to 300 construction jobs, and 10 ongoing positions, affirming its commitment to ongoing engagement with authorities and locals. Notably, the council approved a nearby urea-ammonium nitrate facility in 2020 despite controversy.