Wind farms

To enable the implementation of the government’s commitment to require wind farm projects to be impact assessable, and subject to similar approval processes consistent with other land uses, like mining and agriculture, the Deputy Premier has issued a proposed call in notice for the Moonlight Range Wind Farm and temporarily paused three wind farm applications currently under assessment.

Wind farm developments can have significant social, economic and environmental impacts on local regional communities. Yet wind farm developments are proceeding without mandatory community consultation, unlike other significant projects.

The Queensland Government is delivering on its commitment that requires renewable energy projects are impact assessable with approval processes consistent with other land uses like mining and infrastructure.

Local government and the local community through public consultation should be an integral part of the assessment process for wind farms.

Wind farm application assessments

On 16 January 2025, the Deputy Premier and Minister for Planning issued a proposed call in notice for the Moonlight Range Wind Farm near Morinish, northwest of Rockhampton. The notice seeks submissions from the proponent, community and other interested parties about whether the proposed development qualifies as a state interest and should be re-assessed. The representation period is 40 business days closing 14 March 2025.

The Deputy Premier has also issued directions to the Director-General of the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, as the Chief Executive of the Planning Act, to pause the assessment of three other wind farm applications to allow proponents to demonstrate that the appropriate community consultation and impact assessment have been undertaken, in line with the Government’s election commitment. The pause is in effect for four months to 16 May 2025.

The Government will continue to consult on the implementation of its election commitment.