Wind farm planning rules crackdown in renewables regulation overhaul
Under a new development code wind farm proposals will be subject to mandatory impact assessments, requiring developers to consult with local councils, communities and stakeholders.
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Wind farm developers will be obligated to undertake public consultation and engage in third-party appeals under a strict new development approval process mandated by the state government.
Under the new development code, effective from Monday, February 3, wind farm proposals will be subject to mandatory impact assessments, requiring developers of both active and future proposals to consult with local councils, communities and stakeholders.
The move is in line with the LNP’s election commitment to tighten up planning laws and ensure renewable energy projects are assessed at a similar level of scrutiny as mining and agriculture, with solar farms next in line for tighter regulation.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie, who is set to announce the new planning framework today, said the changes would provide more certainty for investors.
“It’s only fair that communities are properly consulted with for any new renewable energy developments in their own backyard, like many suburban communities are afforded when it comes to high rise residential development in their neighbourhood,” he said.
“We said we’d make the approvals process a level playing field with the same rigorous requirements, including community consultation, regardless of the project.”
Future wind farm approvals will be dependent on the developers ability to protect of high-quality agricultural land, mitigate construction impacts on local infrastructure and ensure that worker accommodation does not negatively impact local communities.
Developers will also be required to address any social impacts on host communities, while decommissioning responsibilities will fall solely on wind farm operators, secured through bonds or financial guarantees.
It comes after Mr Bleijie two weeks ago used extraordinary powers to issue a “call in” notice for the Moonlight Range Wind Farm (88 turbines) northwest of Rockhampton, allowing community members, local government and other stakeholders to make submissions on the project.
The development application will then be returned to Mr Bleijie to determine if the project goes ahead.
Mr Bleijie also directed his Director-General to pause the assessment of three wind farm applications to “allow proponents to demonstrate that the appropriate community consultation and impact assessment have been undertaken” – the Wongalee Renewable Energy Farm (175 turbines), Theodore Energy Development (170 turbines), and the Bungaban Renewable Energy Farm (204 turbines).
Other renewable energy projects, including large-scale solar farms will face similar regulations in future development code updates.
“We will continue to listen to Queenslanders and engage with key stakeholders in the renewable energy sector as further approval process enhancements are made,” Mr Bleijie said.
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