Biggenden wind farm on hold over endangered species

The 23-turbine wind farm planned for 4465ha near Biggenden is on hold subject to environmental approvals after surveys identified risks to four threatened species.

The Stony Creek Wind Farm planned for North Burnett has hit a snag, with a field survey identifying four threatened and migratory species could be impacted by the project.

The Stony Creek Wind Farm planned for North Burnett has hit a snag, with a field survey identifying four threatened and migratory species could be impacted by the project.

Greenleaf Renewables, the company behind the proposal, expects construction on the wind farm, including 23 wind turbines, to begin in 2025, subject to approvals. The project is expected to create around 180 jobs during construction and up to five permanent jobs on site during operation.

Once operational, it will generate enough power to supply about 88,000 average Queensland households.

Ecological field surveys conducted by Greenleaf Renewables found the greater glider (southern and central) was likely to be impacted by the project planned for the area around Stony Creek, 11km west of Biggenden.

The greater glider is listed as endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

The survey findings have triggered further assessment by the federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water before a final decision can be made on approving the project.

The greater glider is listed as endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

A Greenleaf Renewables spokesperson said they had modified the project plan to minimise the impact on the greater glider’s habitat and were working with the federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water to obtain the necessary approvals.

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“Following our initial ecological field survey campaign conducted throughout 2021 and 2022, the greater glider has been identified to use the habitat found throughout the wind farm site.

“Prior to submitting the development application and EPBC Referral the project layout was optimised to minimise disturbance to greater glider habitat, we will work with DCCEEW to find solutions to address any residual impact to the species.”

A map of the proposed site for the Stony Creek Wind Farm.

A DCCEEW spokesperson said the federal government was also assessing the project for impact on other endangered and vulnerable species including the koala, grey-headed flying-fox and white-throated needletail.

“On 15 November 2022, the federal government found that the Stony Creek Wind Farm project would need to be assessed under Australia’s national environment law, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 before it could proceed due to the likelihood of a significant impact on listed threatened and migratory species.

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“The department has requested further information on the impacts of the project which is required to be published for public comment prior to deciding whether or not to approve the project.”

According to Greenleaf Renewables’ proposal to DCCEEW, the project’s footprint includes permanent impact to 206.5ha of remnant and regrowth vegetation.

According to estimates by Greenleaf Renewables, the equivalent energy generation from non-renewable sources would emit more than 500,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year - the same as the output of 136,000 cars.

Originally published as Biggenden wind farm on hold over endangered species