All new wind farm developments in Queensland must now consult with local councils, communities and other stakeholders, with the State Government introducing a new impact assessment framework.
The Queensland Government said the new planning pathway for regulating wind farms is the first step to requiring all renewable projects be impact assessable and subject to the same rigorous approval process as other major development projects.
The changes take effect from 3 February 2025.
Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie, said introducing an impact assessable planning framework underpinned by a new development code for wind farms will provide certainty for investors, communities and councils.
“The Queensland Government is committed to openness and transparency, and we will continue to listen to Queenslanders and engage with key stakeholders in the renewable energy sector as further approval process enhancements are made.”
To complement the change, the Queensland Government updated ‘State code 23: Wind farm development’ to include additional requirements – reflecting an impact assessment.
Some include:
- Making sure wind new farm applications result in no significant loss of high-quality agricultural land
- Workers accommodation associated with the construction of the wind farm does not adversely impact on surrounding communities
- Construction impacts on local infrastructure are mitigated, or if unable to be mitigated, remediated
- Social impacts are identified and addressed to avoid negative impacts on host communities (community benefit)
- Decommissioning of wind farms becomes the sole responsibility of the wind farm operator and guaranteed through bonds or financial guarantees
- Any disturbances to environmental footprints are rehabilitated
This Queensland Government said it will focus on making other renewable energy projects impact assessable, such as large-scale solar farm developments, as well as introducing a community benefit framework for renewable energy developments that is similar to the requirements for other major development projects in regional communities.
More information on the wind farm development planning reforms can be found here.
