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About the Energy Queensland Customer and Community Council
The Council provides a forum through which Energy Queensland can work together with key customer representatives, stakeholders and other interested parties to provide advice and insights regarding issues and initiatives that impact our customers and communities, to explore customer and community needs and expectations, emerging customer and community issues and initiatives in energy infrastructure and services, and the provision of energy solutions across Queensland. The Council plays a key role in strengthening Energy Queensland’s understanding of customer sentiment, social licence, and the broader impacts of the energy transition.
The Council meets every three to four months and works with our Board, Executive Leadership Team, and senior leadership to ensure the customer-centric delivery of energy (in particular electricity) related services to our customers and communities.
Our Customer and Community Council members
Our Council members bring a strong interest in the energy sector and play a vital role of collaborating with us, and constructively 'testing and challenging' us to advance the interests of customers and communities. The Council reflects a well balanced and inclusive representation of Queensland's diverse customer base.
Some Council members are also represented in the associated Working Groups, alongside other customer representatives and industry experts. Full membership of Working Groups can be accessed by clicking on the relevant working group (see below).
Michelle Farquhar Head of Queensland Australian Industry Group
The Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) is a peak national employer organisation representing traditional, innovative and emerging industry sectors. Together with partner organisations we represent the interests of more than 60,000 businesses employing more than 1 million staff. Our members are businesses of all sizes, from large businesses in sectors including manufacturing, construction, engineering, transport and logistics, labour hire, mining services, the defence industry, civil airlines, Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) and iconic Australian brands to family-run Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).
Lachlan Crane Government Relations and Industry Engagement Manager Business Chamber Queensland
For 155 years, Business Chamber Queensland (BCQ) has been a trusted voice for Queensland businesses in every industry, of every size and in every part of the state. As the Queensland chamber of commerce, we’re an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting Queensland businesses to thrive and ensuring our state is the best place in Australia to do business. We put Queensland business first, with practical support backed by bold, innovative thinking and powerful, meaningful advocacy.
Robyn Robinson Director Council on the Ageing Queensland
Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland is Queensland’s peak organisation for seniors, advancing the rights, needs, interests and futures of people as we age. With the large and growing number of older people in our state, we work to influence positive outcomes for Queenslanders. We provide a connection point for older people, their families and communities, organisations, and Governments at all levels to address issues for Queenslanders and co-create change.
Kaneya Poudal Engagement and Policy Lead First Nations Clean Energy Network
First Nations Clean Energy Network is made up of First Nations people, groups, community organisations, land councils, unions, academics, industry groups, technical advisors, legal experts, renewables companies and others - working in partnership to ensure that First Nations share in the benefits of Australia’s clean energy transition. The Network is led by a Steering Group of First Nations leaders and has over 1400 First Nations members (comprising organisations and individuals) and thousands of other supporters. As a national, First Nations-led coalition, the Network aims to enable and empower First Nations to participate in, benefit from, respond to, and shape clean energy projects that impact their communities, land, waters and Sea Country.
At Greater Whitsunday Communities we are the peak regional body for social and community development, we amplify the Greater Whitsunday community’s voice on important issues and continue to promote the social sector as a major contributor to economic growth and prosperity for our region, making our communities better places to live. We are in a trusted and independent position in this region, with the support of local, state and federal funding, private partnerships, commercial project earnings and volunteer work. Greater Whitsunday Communities is an incorporated, not-for-profit company limited by guarantee that employs a small team of community development practitioners. We have an extensive membership base and strong leadership from a coordinating committee of industry and local community representatives.
Mark Grenning Independent
Mark is an experienced consumer advocate through his work for the Energy Users Association of Australia (EUAA) and his membership of many network consumer councils and network revenue reset committees over the last 10 years. Apart from his membership of the Energy Queensland Customer and Community Council, Mark is a member of the equivalent customer and community committees for Powerlink, Ausgrid and Endeavour Energy. Mark was also a member of the Energy Queensland Reset Reference Group for the 2025-30 AER revenue reset.
Matthew Duncan Technical Support Manager Master Electricians Australia
Masters Electricians Australia (MEA) is a peak industry association which has been supporting and advocating on behalf of electrical contractors for over 80 years. Matthew supports the electrical industry and community advocate creating a point of difference for its members by delivering education, safety and business support.
Maria James Chief Executive Officer Mt Isa Townsville Economic Zone
The Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Development Zone (MITEZ) is a regional development advocacy body committed to fostering economic growth, industry development and sustainability across North West Queensland. Representing the seven local government areas of Mt Isa, Cloncurry, McKinlay, Richmond, Flinders, Charters Towers and Townsville, together with multinational resource companies, national logistic and energy providers and emerging regional proponents, the MITEZ corridor, with over $300 billion GRP, plays an important role in delivering commodities that the world depends on, demonstrating the global reach and significance of the organisation.
Selvin Kwong Senior Policy Officer Queensland Council of Social Services
Queensland Council of Social Services (QCOSS) have been a long-standing advocate in raising the concerns of people experiencing poverty and disadvantage throughout Queensland. As a peak body for the social services sector, we create positive change through our work in advocacy, policy development, and capacity building that empower communities.
Alicia Kennedy General Manager Water and Energy Queensland Farmers Federation
The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) is the united voice of agriculture in Queensland, representing the collective interests of peak agriculture industry organisations (both state and national) to build a strong future for Queensland’s agriculture sector. Our members are agricultural peak bodies who collectively represent more than 13,000 farmers who produce food, fibre and foliage across the state.
Jana Dore Policy Director, External Affairs Queensland Resources Council
The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) is the not-for-profit peak industry association representing and advocating for the minerals and energy industry, a cornerstone of Queensland’s economy and communities. The QRC evolved from the Queensland Mining Council to better reflect our diverse membership and forward-thinking vision. Today, we are dedicated to advocating for a sustainable future for Queensland's minerals and energy industries, which are vital to the state's economic growth and significantly contribute to Australia’s prosperity.
Estella Rodighiero Chief Executive Officer Regional Development Australia-Gold Coast
Part of a national network of 50 committees, Regional Development Australia (RDA) Gold Coast acts as a catalyst for positive change, leveraging its unique position at the intersection with all levels of governments, industry and community. As part of RDA Queensland, a collective of 10 RDA Queensland committees, RDA Gold Coast contributes to addressing statewide development priorities, advocating for place-based outcomes, and delivering cross-regional initiatives.
Gavin Dufty Manager Policy and Research St Vincent De Paul
The St Vincent de Paul Society works with governments and like-minded organisations to advocate for public policy changes that help people reach their life potential. We work to combat social injustice by advocating for people who are marginalised or disadvantaged, or at risk of experiencing disadvantage. Our advocacy work goes to the heart of what the St Vincent de Paul Society stands for.
Working Groups
Sitting under the Council, there are five Working Groups focused on facilitating breadth and depth of discussion on key topics and issues relating to Energy Queensland’s strategies and business operations. They play a critical role in ensuring customer and community perspectives can be considered as part of business decisions in both our strategic and operational activities. The Working Groups focus on specific issues and industry challenges as outlined in our Energy Queensland Customer and Stakeholder Engagement Framework. Further information, and the membership of each Working Group can be accessed by clicking on the tiles (links) below.
The Council provides a forum through which Energy Queensland can work together with key customer representatives, stakeholders and other interested parties to provide advice and insights regarding issues and initiatives that impact our customers and communities, to explore customer and community needs and expectations, emerging customer and community issues and initiatives in energy infrastructure and services, and the provision of energy solutions across Queensland. The Council plays a key role in strengthening Energy Queensland’s understanding of customer sentiment, social licence, and the broader impacts of the energy transition.
The Council meets every three to four months and works with our Board, Executive Leadership Team, and senior leadership to ensure the customer-centric delivery of energy (in particular electricity) related services to our customers and communities.
Our Customer and Community Council members
Our Council members bring a strong interest in the energy sector and play a vital role of collaborating with us, and constructively 'testing and challenging' us to advance the interests of customers and communities. The Council reflects a well balanced and inclusive representation of Queensland's diverse customer base.
Some Council members are also represented in the associated Working Groups, alongside other customer representatives and industry experts. Full membership of Working Groups can be accessed by clicking on the relevant working group (see below).
Michelle Farquhar Head of Queensland Australian Industry Group
The Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) is a peak national employer organisation representing traditional, innovative and emerging industry sectors. Together with partner organisations we represent the interests of more than 60,000 businesses employing more than 1 million staff. Our members are businesses of all sizes, from large businesses in sectors including manufacturing, construction, engineering, transport and logistics, labour hire, mining services, the defence industry, civil airlines, Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) and iconic Australian brands to family-run Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).
Lachlan Crane Government Relations and Industry Engagement Manager Business Chamber Queensland
For 155 years, Business Chamber Queensland (BCQ) has been a trusted voice for Queensland businesses in every industry, of every size and in every part of the state. As the Queensland chamber of commerce, we’re an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting Queensland businesses to thrive and ensuring our state is the best place in Australia to do business. We put Queensland business first, with practical support backed by bold, innovative thinking and powerful, meaningful advocacy.
Robyn Robinson Director Council on the Ageing Queensland
Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland is Queensland’s peak organisation for seniors, advancing the rights, needs, interests and futures of people as we age. With the large and growing number of older people in our state, we work to influence positive outcomes for Queenslanders. We provide a connection point for older people, their families and communities, organisations, and Governments at all levels to address issues for Queenslanders and co-create change.
Kaneya Poudal Engagement and Policy Lead First Nations Clean Energy Network
First Nations Clean Energy Network is made up of First Nations people, groups, community organisations, land councils, unions, academics, industry groups, technical advisors, legal experts, renewables companies and others - working in partnership to ensure that First Nations share in the benefits of Australia’s clean energy transition. The Network is led by a Steering Group of First Nations leaders and has over 1400 First Nations members (comprising organisations and individuals) and thousands of other supporters. As a national, First Nations-led coalition, the Network aims to enable and empower First Nations to participate in, benefit from, respond to, and shape clean energy projects that impact their communities, land, waters and Sea Country.
At Greater Whitsunday Communities we are the peak regional body for social and community development, we amplify the Greater Whitsunday community’s voice on important issues and continue to promote the social sector as a major contributor to economic growth and prosperity for our region, making our communities better places to live. We are in a trusted and independent position in this region, with the support of local, state and federal funding, private partnerships, commercial project earnings and volunteer work. Greater Whitsunday Communities is an incorporated, not-for-profit company limited by guarantee that employs a small team of community development practitioners. We have an extensive membership base and strong leadership from a coordinating committee of industry and local community representatives.
Mark Grenning Independent
Mark is an experienced consumer advocate through his work for the Energy Users Association of Australia (EUAA) and his membership of many network consumer councils and network revenue reset committees over the last 10 years. Apart from his membership of the Energy Queensland Customer and Community Council, Mark is a member of the equivalent customer and community committees for Powerlink, Ausgrid and Endeavour Energy. Mark was also a member of the Energy Queensland Reset Reference Group for the 2025-30 AER revenue reset.
Matthew Duncan Technical Support Manager Master Electricians Australia
Masters Electricians Australia (MEA) is a peak industry association which has been supporting and advocating on behalf of electrical contractors for over 80 years. Matthew supports the electrical industry and community advocate creating a point of difference for its members by delivering education, safety and business support.
Maria James Chief Executive Officer Mt Isa Townsville Economic Zone
The Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Development Zone (MITEZ) is a regional development advocacy body committed to fostering economic growth, industry development and sustainability across North West Queensland. Representing the seven local government areas of Mt Isa, Cloncurry, McKinlay, Richmond, Flinders, Charters Towers and Townsville, together with multinational resource companies, national logistic and energy providers and emerging regional proponents, the MITEZ corridor, with over $300 billion GRP, plays an important role in delivering commodities that the world depends on, demonstrating the global reach and significance of the organisation.
Selvin Kwong Senior Policy Officer Queensland Council of Social Services
Queensland Council of Social Services (QCOSS) have been a long-standing advocate in raising the concerns of people experiencing poverty and disadvantage throughout Queensland. As a peak body for the social services sector, we create positive change through our work in advocacy, policy development, and capacity building that empower communities.
Alicia Kennedy General Manager Water and Energy Queensland Farmers Federation
The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) is the united voice of agriculture in Queensland, representing the collective interests of peak agriculture industry organisations (both state and national) to build a strong future for Queensland’s agriculture sector. Our members are agricultural peak bodies who collectively represent more than 13,000 farmers who produce food, fibre and foliage across the state.
Jana Dore Policy Director, External Affairs Queensland Resources Council
The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) is the not-for-profit peak industry association representing and advocating for the minerals and energy industry, a cornerstone of Queensland’s economy and communities. The QRC evolved from the Queensland Mining Council to better reflect our diverse membership and forward-thinking vision. Today, we are dedicated to advocating for a sustainable future for Queensland's minerals and energy industries, which are vital to the state's economic growth and significantly contribute to Australia’s prosperity.
Estella Rodighiero Chief Executive Officer Regional Development Australia-Gold Coast
Part of a national network of 50 committees, Regional Development Australia (RDA) Gold Coast acts as a catalyst for positive change, leveraging its unique position at the intersection with all levels of governments, industry and community. As part of RDA Queensland, a collective of 10 RDA Queensland committees, RDA Gold Coast contributes to addressing statewide development priorities, advocating for place-based outcomes, and delivering cross-regional initiatives.
Gavin Dufty Manager Policy and Research St Vincent De Paul
The St Vincent de Paul Society works with governments and like-minded organisations to advocate for public policy changes that help people reach their life potential. We work to combat social injustice by advocating for people who are marginalised or disadvantaged, or at risk of experiencing disadvantage. Our advocacy work goes to the heart of what the St Vincent de Paul Society stands for.
Working Groups
Sitting under the Council, there are five Working Groups focused on facilitating breadth and depth of discussion on key topics and issues relating to Energy Queensland’s strategies and business operations. They play a critical role in ensuring customer and community perspectives can be considered as part of business decisions in both our strategic and operational activities. The Working Groups focus on specific issues and industry challenges as outlined in our Energy Queensland Customer and Stakeholder Engagement Framework. Further information, and the membership of each Working Group can be accessed by clicking on the tiles (links) below.
