Wandoan Windfarm to go ahead as solar farm application lodged to Western Downs Regional Council

A proposed wind farm near Wandoan has received state government approval with the company now seeking to build a solar farm at the same location.

A proposed Western Downs wind farm facing an uncertain future has received state government approval with developers now lodging an application to build a 500 megawatt solar farm at the site.

Windlab celebrated receiving approval for their Bungaban Wind Energy Project back in March and have now lodged a development application to Western Downs Regional Council for an accompanying solar project.

Located 40km from Wandoan, the wind farm was one of three projects on the chopping block in January when Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie paused their applications while they considered their merits.

The consideration was part of the Queensland government’s plans to scrap the state’s renewable energy targets of 50 per cent by 2030 and 80 per cent by 2035.

Despite this the projects is now going ahead and is forecast to generate 1.4GW of clean energy, enough to power one in three Queensland households while creating 1000 jobs and injecting $500m into the regional economy.

“The approval brings Windlab one step closer to delivering new, economical and reliable, clean energy to Queensland’s homes and industries – at scale – with first energisation possible, as early as 2028,” Windlab chief executive John Martin said in a press release.

“From the strong economic benefits and environmental stewardship to the strategic land use and a robust plan for grid connection – the project just stacks up.

“For nearly three years, we’ve collaborated with the community and traditional owners to develop a design based on their feedback. This includes harmonising with agricultural activities in Wandoan and Taroom, incorporating mustering laneways, yards, paddocks, and watering points, implementing biosecurity practices to protect local agriculture, and developing a workforce accommodation strategy considering housing, socio-economic factors, local content, infrastructure, and legacy impacts.

“We’re confident in our balanced approach to sustainable development and look forward to advancing through the EPBC assessment process.

“We’re pleased to be able to share in this important milestone with our stakeholders and are dedicated to continuing our collaborative approach as we progress.”

The proposed solar project will be located next to the wind project site and will make use of the infrastructure developed for the wind farm.

Construction of the solar farm is expected to begin following the peak construction period of the wind project.

Originally published as Wandoan Windfarm to go ahead as solar farm application lodged to Western Downs Regional Council