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4mo ago

Queensland Government Cancels $1 Billion Moonlight Range Wind Farm

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie rejected the project following overwhelming community opposition and environmental concerns, marking a shift in renewable energy approval processes.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NewsWire 11th October 2024. Turbine in the process of construction. 11am Friday the first turbines at Australia's largest (planned) wind farm will spin and will start feeding electricity into Victoria's grid. The farm is Golden Plains Wind Farm in Rokewood. Ikea's investment arm will be announcing they're investing in stage 2 as well. NewsWire/Nadir Kinani
Wind turbines.

Overview

  • Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie used ministerial powers to officially cancel the Moonlight Range Wind Farm project, which cannot be appealed under the Planning Act.
  • The $1 billion project, proposed by Greenleaf Renewables, included 88 turbines and a large battery system, aiming to power over 260,000 homes annually.
  • A two-month public consultation revealed 88% of respondents opposed the project, citing environmental risks, local infrastructure strain, and inadequate consultation.
  • The wind farm had promised 300 construction jobs and 10 ongoing positions but faced significant backlash from regional residents near Rockhampton.
  • The decision reflects a new government approach requiring community support for renewable energy projects, aligning approval standards with other industries.