After a thorough assessment, including significant feedback from local residents and stakeholders, the Queensland Government has decided not to proceed with a proposed wind farm development.
The assessment was led by the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, and ultimately came to the conclusion that the proposed Moonlight Range Wind Farm, 40 kilometres northwest of Rockhampton, should not proceed.
The project included plans for up to 88 wind turbines, a battery energy storage system, and related infrastructure covering 1,269 hectares in total, including 434 hectares of vegetation that would need to be cleared.
The assessment considered the significant feedback from the local community, as well as the impacts on local infrastructure and services, as well as housing.
More than 550 submissions were received during public consultation process, of which 85 per cent (473 submissions) supported the project application being reviewed.
It found the proposal did not meet the requirements of the government’s new planning laws, which ensure renewable energy projects are assessed by the same rigorous approval processes as other major resource developments.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, said that the government was delivering on its election commitment to ensure local communities are consulted on any new wind farm developments.
“Queenslanders deserve to have a say on any major development in their local community, which is why the government introduced new nation-leading laws to give them a voice on issues that impact that future of their towns,” Bleijie said.
“Today’s announcement highlights how these laws are already helping to level the playing field by ensuring councils and communities have a seat at the decision-making table.”
Member for Mirani, Glen Kelly, said that community concerns had been listened to and considered as part of the approval process.
“The voices of regional Queenslanders who host these projects in their backyard are an important state interest and are finally being heard,” Mr Kelly said.
“These large-scale developments impact on local infrastructure, people living and working in these communities and also the natural environment.
For further details about upcoming reforms to renewable energy project assessments, visit https://www.planning.qld.gov.au/planning-issues-and-interests/wind-farms
