A massive Queensland wind farm proposal, whose approval was put on ice by the newly elected Queensland Liberal National Party government at the start of the year, has been given the all-clear for development.
Windlab says its 1.4 gigawatt (GW) Wongalee wind farm proposed for Yirendali Country near Hughenden received state development approval last week, marking a major step towards unlocking “enormous renewable potential” in Queensland’s north.
Wongalee wind farm proposes to install up to 175 wind turbines on pastoral land near the rural township of Prairie, about 300km south-west of Townsville.
The project is part Windlab’s broader plans for a North Queensland Super Hub – a landmark renewable energy precinct designed to power Queensland’s low-carbon future while supporting regional communities.
The idea is to co-locate multiple, individually permitted projects, the most progressed of which are the Prairie and Wongalee wind farms, with additional projects said to be in the early stages of planning.
The Wongalee project was among a group of wind projects temporarily paused by the Queensland Liberal National Party (LNP) in January, at the same as it flagged the introduction of strict new wind farm planning rules.
The government has since announced that renewable energy developers in the state must enter into “binding agreements” with local governments, setting out the social impacts and community benefits of projects proposed on their patch, before they can apply for development applications with the state.
In the case of Wongalee, Windlab was given until May 16 to demonstrate that “the appropriate community consultation and impact assessment have been undertaken” for the project.
According to a statement issued on May 15, Windlab appears to have met this criteria, after what it describes as two years of extensive technical design, detailed environmental assessments, and engagement with Traditional Owners, landholders and the local community.
“Our approach to development is built on genuine, ongoing engagement with our stakeholders, particularly our host communities and landholders,” Windlab chief development officer, Nathan Blundell, said on Thursday.
“Their insights have played a central role in shaping the design of the Wongalee wind energy project.
“We’re committed to ensuring the project continues to reflect local values, meets regulatory requirements, and delivers meaningful long-term benefits.”
Windlab says the project will now move into detailed design and delivery planning, while it continues to undergo federal environmental assessment through the EPBC process.
“Wongalee will play an essential role in delivering critical infrastructure, regional investment, and long-term employment opportunities to Hughenden and the broader Flinders Shire,” Blundell said.
“The project is expected to benefit from planned transmission upgrades, including CopperString 2032, which would enable large-scale renewable generation to reach the grid and strengthen Queensland’s energy security.”
