MP Queries Wind Farm Approval

There was standing room only for the public meeting in the Kumbia Memorial Hall supper room on February 25

March 9, 2026

Nationals Leader David Littleproud has asked the Federal Government to explain how the Tarong West wind farm proposal could satisfy environmental protection requirements.

Mr Littleproud said Environment Minister Senator Murray Watt must explain the reasoning that led the Department to conclude the project could satisfy the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.

This follows a public meeting at Kumbia on February 25 where residents expressed concerns about a number of renewables projects in the South Burnett area, including the Tarong West project.

Representatives from the project’s developers, RES, were present at the meeting to answer residents’ questions, however Mr Littleproud, the Member for Maranoa, was an apology.

“Locals have raised serious concerns about the environmental implications of this development and the inconsistency in Federal environmental protections,” Mr Littleproud said.

“Landholders report that underground water resources are limited and delicate. The proponent, RES, intends to source substantial volumes of groundwater during the three-year construction period.

“These aquifers ultimately contribute to the broader integrity of the Great Artesian Basin system, which is already under significant pressure.

“On top of that, there are impacts on flora and fauna, particularly, known koala habitats within the valleys across the project footprint.

“I have concerns the Tarong West Wind Farm is losing its social licence and so clarification is needed, about the potential impacts on groundwater systems, biodiversity, known koala habitats and the cumulative impact across the valleys.

“I am aware the local South Burnett community is anxious about the project.

“I am also concerned about the abhorrent hypocrisy in the Commonwealth’s approach to environmental regulation. The Albanese Labor Government has recently pursued amendments to the EPBC Act and associated policies that significantly expand Commonwealth oversight and restrict landholders’ ability to manage their land and regrowth.

“Yet at the same time, large-scale renewable energy projects appear able to obtain approvals.”

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Tarong West project manager Toby Coates told southburnett.com.au that RES was working with a hydrogeologist to gain informed engineering advice about the groundwater on the Tarong West project site.

“Our advice is that (the water) is not from the Great Artesian Basin,” Mr Coates said.

He said RES was taking a “multi-option approach” to water usage, including using groundwater as well as bringing in potable water.

If there were any potentially negative consequences identified to using groundwater, Plan B would be bringing in off-site water, including recycled water.

“We have been dealing with the Community Consultative Committee about water for nearly a year and a half,” Mr Coates said.

“I think we have been working quite collaboratively with the group on it.”

A RES Australia spokesperson said the Tarong West project had undergone more than seven years of detailed technical, environmental and community assessments.

“RES has undertaken one of the most comprehensive environmental survey programs we have delivered in Australia, including extensive flora and fauna surveys over seven years, seasonal and species specific studies, bird and bat utilisation surveys, hydrology and soil assessments, and detailed ecological investigations,” the spokesperson said.

Planning documents, including the Public Environment Report and other project assessments, are available on the project website

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RES Australia Pty Ltd plans to build, operate – and eventually decommission – 97 wind turbines on 17,500ha between Ironpot and Mannuem.

Federal Government environmental approval for the project was announced in late February.

The Queensland Government, through its government-owned corporation Stanwell, had held an option to acquire 100 per cent of the wind farm pending the successful outcome of the approval process but relinquished this days after the EPBC Act approval.

This had been expected after the LNP won the last State Election.

UK-based Innagreen Investments, which has partnered RES in other projects, has stepped in as the new investor.

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