Queensland unveils strict new wind farm planning rules, with solar projects to follow

The new Queensland LNP state government has announced strict new wind farm planning rules, just weeks after calling in one project and pausing three others – and promises the criteria will be applied to new solar projects as well.

The nub of new planning laws will be to do with the previous Labor government’s waiver of “state significant projects”. Now, all projects will have to consult with local communities, and answer questions about impacts, the effects of farmland.

The new planning laws will likely add uncertainty about the future of the large scale renewables industry in Queensland, given the new LNP government’s antipathy to the renewable energy targets unveiled by Labor – 50 per cent by 2030 and 80 per cent by 2035 – and its declared dislike of wind projects.

Earlier this month, it announced it would call in the 88-turbine Moonlight Range wind project near Rockhampton, and put a pause on three gigawatt-scale projects – the Fortescue-owned Wongalee, Windlab’s Bungaban and RWE’s Theodore wind projects – pending the review.

However, a government spokesperson told Renew Economy that the new planning regime would not be retrospective, so these projects may be unaffected – although they are subject to consultation until March.

The government said that while the new rules have been put in place for large scale wind, similar criteria will be imposed on large scale solar projects, although it did not provide a timeline for that.

The new requirements were unveiled by deputy premier and minister for state development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie, who said that – from Monday – all wind farm developers would be mandated to consult with local councils, communities and other stakeholders for new projects.

“These changes are the first step to fixing Labor’s failed laws which treated regional communities like second class citizens,”Bleijie said in a statement.

“For nearly a decade, the previous Labor Government failed to consult with Queenslanders on major renewable projects and that’s why the LNP Government was determined to deliver a voice for local communities.”

Queensland has the highest dependence on coal fired generation, and the lowest share of renewables (just under 30 per cent over the last 12 months) of any state in the country.

However, big industrial companies like Rio Tinto have made clear the future of their major assets – such as the Boyne Island aluminium smelter and Yarwon refinery – will depend on a transition to renewables.

See: Rio Tinto says wind and solar make economic sense, LNP stands in way of its plans to save smelters

One of the gigawatt scale projects that Rio Tinto has signed up for – the 1.4 GW Bungaban wind projects – was the subject of the government “pause” earlier this month, while the 1.1 GW Upper Calliope solar project will likely have to wind its way through the new planning laws.

“Queenslanders voted for a Fresh Start and as part of that we’re delivering a voice for every local council, community and impacted stakeholder on new wind farm developments in their communities,” Bleijie said.

“It’s only fair that communities are properly consulted with for any new renewable energy developments in their own backyard, like many suburban communities are afforded when it comes to high rise residential development in their neighbourhood.

“Introducing an impact assessable planning framework underpinned by a new development code for wind farms will provide certainty for investors, communities and councils.”

The government said the impact of other renewable energy projects , such as large-scale solar farm developments, will also be made assessable, which translates into mandatory community consultation and third-party appeal rights.

The new law insists that new wind new farm applications – and presumably solar projects too – will result in no significant loss of high quality agricultural land.

It also insists that workers accommodation associated with the construction of the wind farm will not adversely impact on surrounding communities.

Other considerations include the impact of construction, social impacts and the decommissioning of wind farms, which will be the sole responsibility of the wind farm operator guaranteed via a bond or financial instrument.

Renew Economy has also reached out to various developers and peak bodies for a reaction to the change.