State Government to encourage Western Downs communities to submit feedback on development of renewable energy projects

As the Western Downs continues to be called ‘Australia’s Energy Capital’, the State Government has asked what communities truly think about living near multimillion wind and solar projects.

COMMUNITY CONSULTATION: Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Paul McVeigh, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Minister Dr Anthony Lynham, and Minister Mark Furner at a solar farm in Miles. Picture: AAP Image/Darren England

Western Downs communities will now have their say on the multi-billion dollar renewable industry sector that has blown up in its backyard.

The State Government this week launched a public consultation for community feedback on regional Queensland’s renewable energy sector.

Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Minister Mick de Brenni said the feedback would help the State Government develop renewable energy zones in a way that maximised “community benefits and economic outcomes”.

“It seeks to understand what local communities, small business, manufacturers and renewables and hydrogen project developers view as important in the development of Queensland’s renewable energy zones and how to deliver lasting, meaningful benefits for communities and workers,” Mr de Brenni said.

An artist's impression of the Western Downs Edenvale solar park south of Chinchilla. Picture: Contributed

Western Downs Regional Council has heralded the region as “Australia’s energy capital”, due to the countless wind, solar, and gas programs already built or in construction.

There have been more than 20 renewable projects approved for the Western Downs over the past four years, with 10 of the solar projects worth over a combined $3.85 billion dollars.

It hasn’t been smooth sailing during these developments however, with community members and workers voicing their opinions with multiple energy giants.

Gangarri Solar Project in Wandoan came under fire in early 2021 after an alleged multimillion-dollar contract dispute left hundreds of casual workers fired with no notice.

The massive solar farm was then issued with dozens of Workplace Health and safety Notices over a span of two months this year.

At a meeting with Cubico Sustainable Investment and Renewable Energy Partners in February, Jandowae residents expressed their concerns of noise pollution from the Wambo Wind Farm Project.

Coopers Gap Wind Farm north of Dalby. Picture: Contributed

The development will have up to 84 wind turbines once it’s completed, and is slated to generate 200 jobs during its construction, and 20 during its operational phase.

Renewable Energy Systems’ $450 million wind farm in Dulacca then had opposition to its construction two years ago.

Third generation farmer Dan Johnson spoke to the Chinchilla News in 2019 about his reservations of turbines being two kilometres from his door.

Even an endangered species of snail nearly halted its development the same year, after a public complaint revealed the wind farm encroached on the “essential habitat” of the Dulacca Woodland snail, and six other species of flora and fauna.

The online survey is open until September 30.