Flinders Shire Council, Media Release, 25 May 2026

Flinders Shire Council is taking a leaf out of the Texas playbook to supercharge its economic future, welcoming a high-profile delegation of USA wind energy experts to the region this week as part of a tour of the state.

The strategic visit aims to showcase how Flinders Shire is championing a pragmatic, economically driven approach to renewable energy development – moving beyond ideological debates to deliver tangible financial benefits for the local community and the broader state.

The incoming delegation comprises leading experts from Sweetwater, Texas, a region that famously transformed itself into the “wind capital of the world” by leveraging renewable energy as a massive economic driver.

Backed by Flinders Shire Council, the Remote Area Planning and Development Board (RAPAD), and the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ), the visit will highlight the striking similarities between the Queensland and Texas energy landscapes and their shared economic aspirations.

Flinders Shire is the heart of CopperString, and RAPAD is promoting the RAPAD Power Grid in partnership with VisIR, positioning North West and Central West Queensland as primary drivers of the state’s energy supply infrastructure for the next 50 years.

Flinders Shire Mayor Kate Peddle said the visit comes at a critical time, empowered by new State Government legislation that allows Queensland councils to negotiate Community Benefit Agreements (CBAs) directly with renewable energy proponents.

“Flinders Shire is not just participating in the renewable energy transition; we are leading it,” Mayor Peddle said.

“We are sending a clear message to energy companies: we demand fair deals that prioritise the economic prosperity of our community.

“This Texan delegation is a crucial opportunity for us to learn from the best and ensure renewable projects deliver real, long-term advantages for our residents. With the CopperString transmission line moving toward construction, we are determined to secure the best possible deal for our ratepayers, unlock the North West Minerals Province, create jobs, and drive significant GDP for the entire state.”

Rod Wetsel, a renowned US energy lawyer and head of the Texas delegation, underscored the immense economic imperative of getting the transition right. He noted that Sweetwater and Nolan County’s robust energy infrastructure has attracted unprecedented secondary investment, including the US$400 billion Stargate AI data centre in nearby Abilene.

“Our journey proves that a robust renewable energy sector thrives when it is driven by economic development, not just environmental mandates,” Mr Wetsel said.

“We’ve witnessed how strategic transmission infrastructure, private capital, and well- structured landholder agreements can completely transform rural economies.

“We are here to share our practical experiences and demonstrate how Queensland can leverage its vast resources to create intergenerational wealth, ensuring communities like Flinders Shire are direct beneficiaries – not just hosts – of this energy evolution.”

The delegation’s itinerary includes:

• Hughenden (May 29-31): The delegation will connect with locals at the Hughenden Show, meet with landholders and tour nearby wind sites. Talks will focus on securing community buy-in, debunking renewable energy myths, and maximising local benefits.
• Townsville (June 1-2): Meetings with Townsville Enterprise Ltd, the Townsville Mayor and industry leaders to discuss how major projects like CopperString will power the North West Minerals Province and drive regional growth.
• A media event will be held in Townsville on Tuesday, June 2.
• Brisbane (June 3-5): High-level briefings with Queensland Government Ministers, Directors-General, universities, and industry representatives. Discussions will focus on legislative frameworks and lessons from Texas, USA to strengthen investment from renewable investors and government into rural communities such as Flinders Shire and Barcaldine.
• Mackay (June 8-9): The delegation concludes its tour by engaging with local council representatives and stakeholders at the LGAQ Resources Conference.