A bright start to year as Council turns on Airport Solar
Published on 13 February 2026
Rockhampton Regional Council has this week switched on the 976kW behind-the-meter Airport Solar system, marking a major milestone in its commitment to cut grid energy usage, create operational efficiencies and reduce emissions.
The powering on of the $2.4 million project showcases a bright start to 2026 for Council with the project expected to deliver significant long-term operational returns at one of Council’s top five highest energy using facilities.
The flagship Airport system will add to 12 existing Council solar projects including the Rockhampton Museum of Art, World War II Memorial Pool (Southside Pool), Heritage Village and North Rockhampton Library.
Whilst in the early stages of its emissions‑reduction journey, Council is already seeing downward trends from its 2021 baseline, supported by major renewable energy investments like the Airport Solar project.
The Airport Solar project was completed by local contractor NRG Industrial, with the project employing 10 staff during construction and supporting investment in the Rockhampton Region.
Rockhampton Regional Council received $920,000 under the $17.48 million Australian Government’s Reef Guardian Council - Activating Local Councils’ Reef Action Plans grant program to deliver the project.
Council acknowledges the strong support of the Australian Government for this grant funding.
Words from Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Senator the Hon Murray Watt:
“The Albanese Government is committed to protecting the Great Barrier Reef and the 77,000 jobs that depend on it.
“We know that climate change is one of the biggest threats to the Reef, so we must do all we can to take up cleaner energy options to reduce greenhouse emissions.
“We are also committed to reducing power prices by lifting our use of cheaper, cleaner renewable energy, and by achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
“This project completed by the Rockhampton Regional Council plays an important part in our efforts to address climate change and safeguard the Reef for generations to come.”
Words from the Mayor Tony Williams:
“Council is responsible for delivering a range of community services and manages essential infrastructure and these come at a considerable energy and operational cost and with sizeable emissions.
“The powering on of the Airport Solar Project helps us to manage operational costs, while also delivering our commitment to our Reef Action Plan.”
“We are also committed to supporting local businesses that invest in our region and we thank NRG Industrial for their great work on this project.
Words from Environmental Sustainability Councillor Elliot Hilse:
“As a Reef Guardian Council, we are doing our bit to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and any impacts on the Reef.
“Our emissions inventory seeks to track energy use and carbon emissions across Council, which helps identify where we can make improvements.
“Each energy improvement across our Council facilities is a welcome step in our transition towards net zero emissions and a healthier Great Barrier Reef.”