The government said it received 550 submissions on the project, with 85% expressing doubt that it is moving forward.
Queensland’s Deputy Premier Jarrod Blysey has cancelled a $1 billion (US$650 million) wind farm project in his state, citing lack of community support.
The Liberal Party (LNP) government collapsed the curtains on May 26th at Moonlight Rangewind Farm, a project located 40km northwest of the central city of Rockhampton.
The state government said it received 550 submissions during the public consultation process for the project, with 85% saying it wanted applications to be reviewed.
“Queenslander deserves a say in the massive development of the community, so the government has introduced new state-led laws to make a statement on issues that will affect the future of the town,” he said in a statement.
“Today’s announcement highlights how these laws can already help level the playing field by ensuring that Congress and the community have seats at the decision-making table.
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“Queensland’s community was too long and ignored by failed workers’ laws, and it was locked out of the approval process for renewable energy projects proposed to be built in the backyard.”
Deputy Prime Minister Jarrod Blysey (L) and Prime Minister David Krishafull arrive to speak to the media after being sworn in the Government House in Brisbane, Australia on October 28, 2024. AAP Image/Jono Searle
Liberal National Assemblyman Glenn Kelly, whose project site is included in Milani voters, said the decision was big news for locals.
“From the start, I have been shouldering shoulders with the community and raised serious concerns about the lack of consultation and the completely inappropriate location of this project.”
The government has also introduced new rules and requirements for any approval, making it effectively difficult for wind turbines to receive the green light.
Moonlight Range Wind Farm Project
The proposed moonlight range included plans for up to 88 wind turbines and battery energy storage systems.
The project was estimated to cover a total area of 1,269 hectares, including 434 hectares of vegetation.
However, Kelly argues that the moonlight area will require 741 hectares of native vegetation, and the summit will need to be blown up flat to install the turbines.
The company estimated that the project would create around 300 jobs during peak construction and employ up to 10 full-time staff upon completion.
Photos of the clearing and preparation of the land at Clark Creek Wind Farm in central Queensland, Australia. Courtesy of Stephen Novakowski
Mixed signal to the clean energy sector: Environmental groups
The Queensland Conservation Council (QCC), an environmental advocacy group, said the axis of the Moonlight Range wind farm has sent mixed signals to the sector.
“We can’t afford to resort to these unreliable generators that raise electricity prices when they break down.
“The message from voters in the federal elections was transparent. Australians support renewable energy and climate action.”
The Epoch Times contacted Queensland Energy Minister David Janetski and Greenleaf Renewable Energy for additional comments.
