Stony Creek Wind Farm at Biggenden gets green light
Work will begin on a $350million wind farm occupying 4500ha near Biggenden after approval was granted following months of delays over environmental concerns.
Business
Don't miss out on the headlines from Business. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A $350million wind farm proposed for the Biggenden region of the North Burnett has been approved to construct up to 27 turbines across 4500ha.
The Stony Creek Wind Farm proposed by Greenleaf Renewables was approved under two controlling provisions directly related to the environmental concerns which had delayed the project for several months.
Several ecological field surveys were undertaken as part of the planning and development process for the major project, which found the environment and migratory patterns of the Greater Glider among other native animals was likely to be impacted the project.
In March of 2023 the findings triggered further assessment by the federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
On December 6, the department approved the proposal on the condition the project “avoid and mitigate harm” to the native animals and not clear more than 69.8ha of Greater Glider denning habitat, 138.3ha of Greater Glider foraging habitat, 233.30ha of koala habitat, 39.8ha of Squatter Pigeon habitat, 204.4ha of Grey-headed Flying-fox foraging habitat, 164.6ha of Red Goshawk foraging habitat and 24.3 a of Red Goshawk roosting habitat.
To compensate for any damage to such habitat, the project must include future provisions for an Offset Area Management Plan, to be prepared by a “suitably qualified ecologist” and be completed in the next 20 years.
The plan is expected to align with the department’s ecological goals for the identified animals, and “compensate for the residual significant impact” of the project.
Several other environmental reviews and considerations were written into the approval, including the monitoring of animal carcasses and cascading triggers if listed animals are impacted.
The project, which is expected to span 4500ha and create 150 jobs during construction, will have the capacity to power 88,000 homes a year once completed.
Now approved, construction is expected to begin in the new year and once completed will bring four full-time jobs to the region.
Chalmers the stock picker makes a bad call
The Future Fund has thrived by having the independence to make its own financial calls. The Treasurer wants to trash this with his own risky bets.
The long, hard slog of changing workplace culture at Rio
Overhauling a culture of sexual harassment and bullying is not a linear exercise and the Rio Tinto boss is finding out the tough way, as its two-year progress report is released to staff.