The Federal Government’s renewable energy rollout, encompassing various wind, solar, hydro, and bioenergy projects, is gaining momentum across the state.
While some are rejoicing at the progress, others are filled with concerns.
Since June 2024, over 50 large-scale renewable energy projects have been operational, under construction, or financially committed across Queensland.
The Albanese Government aims to achieve 80 per cent renewable energy reliance by 2035.
One of the wind farm projects in Central Queensland is the Moah Creek Wind Farm, approved in 2023 under State Code 23 by the Queensland Government.
The project is set to be constructed 30 kilometres west of Rockhampton, with 60 turbines planned to be built within one to five kilometres of 150 existing homes.
Local helicopter pilot Matthew Mollard said the turbines would negatively impact his and other local businesses.
“Right where the Moah Creek project is going is where 90 per cent of my clients live. We would have to go around the turbines, which adds more time to our ferrying operations. That means I’ll have to pass those costs onto my clientele to make a profit,” Mr Mollard said.
“When it comes to bushfire season, no firefighting aircraft will be able to operate in that vicinity due to the project’s location.”
Despite receiving state approval, the project is awaiting Federal Government approval under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, as the development may impact the habitats of several threatened and endangered species.
Another renewable energy project taking motion in Central Queensland is the Moonlight Range Wind Farm, located approximately 53 kilometres from Rockhampton.
This project proposes 88 turbines, each with a height of 280 metres, across a 20,000-hectare project area.
In January, Member for Mirani Glen Kelly called for a pause on renewable energy developments.
“These turbines require the tops of mountains to be removed, with remnant vegetation cleared to make room not only for the turbines but also for access roads,” Mr Kelly said.
“We need to put a stop to these renewable developments before we lose our natural environment to this energy push.
“The local residents affected by these projects have had little to no say, and concerns around bushfire risks and noise impacts are being ignored.”
On Monday, 20 January, Mr Kelly welcomed the Deputy Premier’s decision to issue a ‘call-in’ notice for the Moonlight Range Wind Farm. This allows the surrounding community 40 days to provide feedback on the development, with submissions open until Friday, 14 March.
In addition to concerns about remnant vegetation, land devaluation, and bushfire risks, Mr Kelly highlighted issues related to agriculture and noise impacts from the turbines.
“There’s a noise aspect called infrasound, which is a deadly threat to nature, particularly bats,” he said.
“Macadamia farmers rely on bats for pollination.
“It’s not the blades that kill the bats; the drop in air pressure causes their lungs to expand and burst.
“You can forget about how they look—structures are structures—but it’s the ongoing effects of those structures that cause the real damage.”
