Local consultation for wind farm projects is being mandated in Queensland.

The Queensland Government has responded to criticisms of inadequate public engagement for renewable energy projects, with changes to the approval framework.

The government has issued a proposed “call in” notice for the Moonlight Range Wind Farm, located northwest of Rockhampton, inviting submissions from community members, councils, and stakeholders to ensure alignment with state interests. 

The consultation period runs for 40 days, closing on 14 March 2025.

These measures aim to address shortcomings in the existing system, where renewable energy projects were approved without local input. 

Critics, including Member for Mirani Glen Kelly, have called for developers to earn a “social licence” before progressing projects. 

Kelly criticised prior consultation efforts as top-down, describing them as “lectures” that ignored community concerns. 

Three additional wind farm proposals across North, Central, and South West Queensland are also on hold. Proponents must demonstrate comprehensive community consultation and thorough impact assessments before advancing.

The LNP government insists the changes are crucial to restoring public trust and ensuring communities are not marginalised in decision-making processes. 

It comes after the previous state government last year imposed new environmental, logistical and acoustic criteria on new wind farms, in response to ongoing community concerns.

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