Rockhampton Airport Solar Project Kicks Off to Support the Reef
Published on 04 July 2025
A new $2.4 million solar project has officially commenced at Rockhampton Airport under a joint partnership between Rockhampton Regional Council and the Australian Government.
The project which will install a new 976kW behind-the-meter solar system at the Rockhampton Airport Terminal is expected to reduce the Airport’s grid energy usage and save up to 1,600 tCO2e (tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent) per year.
The project aligns with Council’s Reef Action Plan through the Reef Guardian Councils initiative and aligns with the Australian and Queensland governments Reef 2050 Long Term Sustainability Plan objective of ‘limiting impacts of climate change’.
Under the Reef Guardian Council program, Rockhampton Regional Council recognises that local and regional approaches are central to protecting and managing the Reef and the communities it supports; and is committed to working to build the resilience of the Reef through projects like Rockhampton Airport Solar.
The project will be delivered by local contractor NRG and is expected to be completed in 2026.
Rockhampton Council received $920,000 under the Reef Guardian Councils - Activating Local Council’s Reef Action Plans Program to deliver the project.
We acknowledge the strong support of the Australian Government’s Reef Trust for this grant funding.
More information on the Reef Guardians Councils Program as well as Rockhampton’s Reef Action Plan, visit: www.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au/CommunityEvents/Environmental-Sustainability/Prioritising-a-healthy-natural-environment/Reef-Guardian-Council
Quotes attributable to Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm:
“The Albanese Government is committed to protecting and restoring the Great Barrier Reef and supporting the jobs that depend on it.
“Looking after the Great Barrier Reef requires all levels of government and communities to work together, and Reef Guardian Councils play an important role in addressing climate change and improving the health of the Reef.
“We’re proud to support Rockhampton Regional Council to deliver this solar project, which will make a practical difference to the Airport’s emissions, while contributing to improving the health of our precious Great Barrier Reef.”
Quotes attributable to Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor, Tony Williams:
“This is a critical project for Council that will help us reduce our grid energy consumption and save on emissions.
“We know that Rockhampton Airport is Council’s second highest energy consumer amongst our many sites and facilities; and so, to have this solar project going in to help offset what we are drawing from the grid while at the same time helping to tackle the impacts of climate change and protect the reef is a great thing.
“It’s another example of the Albanese Government working with local councils under the Reef Guardian Councils program to develop local ideas and initiatives and safeguard the long-term future of the Great Barrier Reef.”
Quotes attributable to Rockhampton Regional Council Environmental Sustainability Portfolio Councillor, Elliot Hilse:
“As part of our Sustainability Strategy Towards 2030, we are working with residents, communities, businesses, industries and other levels of government to lead a variety of strategic actions.
“We are proud to take a proactive approach as we move towards net zero emissions, build climate resilience, protect our natural environment and deliver financially responsible outcomes.
“This Project aligns with the Australian and Queensland governments’ Reef 2050 Long Term Sustainability Plan objective of ‘limiting impacts of climate change’ and will provide renewable energy in a cost-effective way to accelerate Council’s transition towards net zero emissions.”