Volunteer Position Description

Role Title: Policy Research and Analysis Volunteer – Renewable Energy Organisation: Darling Downs Environment Council (DDEC) Location: Darling Downs region (remote / hybrid options available) Time Commitment: Flexible; approximately 4–8 hours per week Reporting To: DDEC Coordinator / Energy & Climate Campaign Lead Duration: Negotiable (minimum 3-month commitment preferred)

About the Organisation

The Darling Downs Environment Council (DDEC) is the peak environmental advocacy organisation for the Darling Downs and South West Queensland. DDEC works with community, Traditional Owners, local government, industry, and civil society to advance environmentally responsible planning, climate action, biodiversity protection, and sustainable regional development.

Renewable energy policy and planning is a priority focus area for DDEC, particularly in relation to large-scale renewables, transmission infrastructure, community benefit frameworks, land use planning, and regional energy justice.

Purpose of the Role

The Policy Research and Analysis Volunteer – Renewable Energy will support DDEC’s advocacy by undertaking targeted research, policy analysis, and briefing development related to renewable energy rollout in regional Queensland. The role contributes directly to evidence-based submissions, policy positions, campaign strategy, and stakeholder engagement.

This position is well suited to students or early-career professionals in environmental policy, planning, energy systems, law, economics, or related fields, as well as experienced professionals seeking to contribute specialist skills.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Research & Analysis

Research renewable energy policy, regulation, and planning frameworks at local, state, and federal levels.

Analyse implications of large-scale renewable energy projects (wind, solar, transmission, storage) for regional communities, land use, biodiversity, and climate outcomes.

Review legislation, policy statements, consultation papers, planning instruments, and regulatory determinations relevant to renewable energy.

Briefing & Submissions Support

Assist in drafting policy briefs, discussion papers, fact sheets, and internal briefing notes.

Support the preparation of submissions to government consultations, inquiries, and policy reviews.

Synthesise complex technical or regulatory material into clear, accessible summaries for community and decision-makers.

Campaign & Strategy Support

Provide research inputs to DDEC campaigns and forums (e.g. renewable energy planning, community benefit models, transmission corridors, Virtual Power Plants).

Identify policy gaps, emerging issues, and best-practice approaches from other jurisdictions.

Contribute to stakeholder mapping and analysis where relevant.

Collaboration & Learning

Work collaboratively with DDEC staff, volunteers, and partner organisations.

Participate in occasional meetings, workshops, or forums as appropriate.

Maintain accurate records of sources, references, and research findings.

Skills and Experience

Essential

Strong research, analytical, and written communication skills.

Ability to interpret policy, legislation, and technical documents.

Interest in renewable energy, climate policy, and regional planning.

Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.

Commitment to DDEC’s values and objectives.

Desirable

Study or experience in environmental policy, planning, energy, law, economics, or a related discipline.

Familiarity with Queensland planning or energy regulatory frameworks.

Experience with policy submissions or advocacy writing.

Understanding of regional, rural, or community-based impacts of energy development.

What DDEC Offers

Meaningful, real-world experience in environmental and energy policy advocacy.

Mentoring and guidance from experienced campaigners and policy practitioners.

Opportunities to contribute to high-impact regional policy debates.

Flexible working arrangements.

A supportive, values-driven organisational culture.

Outcomes & Impact

Volunteers in this role will contribute to:

Stronger, evidence-based renewable energy policy positions.

Improved community-centred and environmentally responsible energy outcomes.

Increased regional capacity to engage with complex energy transitions.