Akaysha's community engagement sessions in Kumbia on Saturday were a significant success, drawing over 40 engaged residents, along with notable local leaders and media representatives. Held at the Kumbia Hall, the sessions provided a platform for residents to directly connect with Akaysha’s team and discuss the future of the Halys BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) project.

The day was divided into two informative sessions – a morning gathering from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and an afternoon session from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. This ensured that as many members of the community as possible had the opportunity to attend, learn about the project, and voice their thoughts.

Among the attendees was South Burnett Mayor Kathy Duff. Accompanying her were South Burnett Councillors Deb Dennien, Linda Little, and Ros Heit, each of whom actively participated in discussions and listened to the community’s perspectives. Local media outlet SouthBurnett.com.au also covered the event, ensuring that the conversations taking place in Kumbia reached a wider audience.

The sessions focused on providing transparent, detailed information about the Halys BESS project, which is set to play a key role in enhancing the region’s renewable energy infrastructure. Akaysha’s team addressed a variety of questions ranging from the environmental benefits of energy storage to the project’s economic impact. Residents were particularly keen to understand how the system would integrate with the local power grid and its potential to support local businesses and households.

Feedback from the community ranged from enthusiastic support to thoughtful suggestions for further improvement, reflecting the importance of engaging local voices in the decision-making process. Akaysha remains committed to fostering an open dialogue throughout the development of the Halys BESS project and is dedicated to addressing the concerns and needs of the communities it serves.

The community engagement sessions in Kumbia form part of a broader series of outreach events across the region. Akaysha views these sessions as an essential part of ensuring the Halys BESS project is both beneficial and aligned with the aspirations of the local community.

The event was hosted at the Kumbia Hall, located at 29-31 Bell Street, Kumbia, and provided an open, welcoming space for residents to share their thoughts and engage with the project's team.