August 2, 2023
The State Government has begun a review of the Wind Farm Code which sets out requirements for wind farm developments in Queensland.
The Code already includes requirements aimed at ensuring wind farms are designed and operated to minimise adverse impacts on the environment, visual amenity, air services, transport networks and noise levels.
But it will be reviewed to:
- Better protect areas of high ecological and biodiversity value
- Protect the Great Barrier Reef from the impact of construction
- Identify and assess viable haulage routes upfront
- Bring acoustic criteria into line with current best practice approaches
- Highlight rehabilitation requirements and expectations; and
- Require proponents to investigate the impact their construction will have on local workforces and accommodation
Under Queensland planning laws, the State Government assesses all wind farm applications through its State Assessment and Referral Agency.
The proposed changes will open for community consultation on August 7 and will remain open until September 4.
“Wind farms in Queensland already undergo a thorough assessment process,” Deputy Premier Steven Miles said.
“This review is designed to strengthen those protections for communities and the environment, while creating certainty and clarity for industry with clearer benchmarks for managing environmental and construction impacts.”
Energy Minister Mick de Brenni said the government wanted to “strike the right balance” as the move to clean energy continues.
“It’s a necessary step to build certainty and confidence of the community, industry and investors in clean energy projects,” Minister de Brenni said.
“Improving co-existence of renewable energy projects with other land uses, in particular those with strong environmental and agricultural values. will benefit all parties.”
