400 MW

1,600 MWh battery size

235000

homes powered during peak demand periods when renewables are not producing

> 150

full-time equivalent jobs generated across the whole Construction Phase

Project Status

December 2025

Queensland Government reformed the BESS assessment, whereby the Planning Act introduced State Code 27, making SARA the assessment manager for projects of this scale. Rutherglen BESS is now required to re-lodge Development Application under new assessment criteria.

December 2025

These new assessment requirements mandated a Community Benefit Agreement before Development Application lodgement.

December 2025

Further expert studies have been commissioned, including significant Social Impact Assessment. These have now contributed to changes in the layout, design and operational controls of the facility.

March 2026

Federal Government determined the Rutherglen BESS project a non-controlled action under the EPBC Act.

March 2026

AMPYR and Gryphon Energy executed a Community Benefit Agreement with Gladstone Regional Council — the first for a battery storage facility with a Queensland council since the State's BESS planning changes.

May 2026

Minister confirmed SARA as assessment manager of the Project, with local Gladstone Regional Council as a referral agency.

October 2026

Gryphon Energy (as Red Hill Renewable Energy) submitted a revised Development Application for the project to the State Assessment Referral Agency (SARA).

Location

Rutherglen Battery is located off Red Hill Road, around 6 km east of Bororen. It lies 47 km south of Gladstone, in the Gladstone Regional Council LGA.

Rutherglen Battery will sit on a 23-hectare development site, within a 1,277-hectare lot. The development site includes the battery and inverter containers, a 33/275kV substation, and a 275kV switchyard via which the project will connect to the existing 275kV transmission line F814. Powerlink will operate and maintain the switchyard as an integral part of their Queensland transmission network.

Over $40,000 of funding was provided during the 2025 round of the Swallowtail Battery Community Benefit Fund.

Community

AMPYR Australia is committed to working with local communities to provide employment and procurement opportunities, avoid and minimise negative impacts and deliver lasting benefits.

We have developed a comprehensive plan to ensure that the Rutherglen battery meaningfully supports local priorities identified by the Bororen and Miriam Vale communities.

This includes significant investment to support the Rural Fire Service of Queensland, with aims of strengthening the capacity and responsiveness of regional brigades.

Community Benefits
  • Community Benefit Agreement: AMPYR and Gryphon Energy have signed a binding Community Benefit Agreement with Gladstone Regional Council for the Rutherglen Battery. These CBA commitments include funds filtered through the Gladstone Regional Council, dedicated neighbour payments and funds for community benefit funding programs 
  • Assistance to Emergency Services: We commit to contributing funding to the Rural Fire Service of Queensland, with aims of strengthening the capacity and responsiveness of regional brigades – responding directly to concerns raised by the local community. 
  • Partnerships with Education Providers: Partnerships with CQ University, the Industry Capability Network Qld and the Gladstone Engineering Alliance are being sought, where funding will be committed to support apprentices, trainees, an engineering cadet and local supply chains. 
  • Funding Local Priorities: We have provided over $40,000 in grants to the Miriam Vale Queensland Country Women’s Association to support installation of a paved footpath and a publicly accessible community garden, and to the Bororen Pony Club for slashing works, fencing and general repairs. We are committed to providing valuable support to the community and look forward to discussing these opportunities with the community as they arise. 
Community Engagement Forum
To access the Code of Conduct, click here: CEF Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Declaration 

Empowering Australia’s First Nations

AMPYR and Gryphon Energy are committed to partnering with local First Nations communities to respect culture and Country, support local jobs, business and training, and deliver legacy benefits for the community.

AMPYR intends to seek a formal benefit-sharing partnership with the Port Curtis Coral Coast (PCCC) peoples to deliver significant support for First Nations peoples of the area, over the life of the project. Equity stakes in AMPYR projects can deliver 20+ year revenues and support First Nations economic empowerment and self-determination.

Project documentation

Project approval documentation
Fact Sheet