Wind farm applications in Queensland will be subject to impact assessment from Monday, meaning mandatory consultation with local government and community, and third-party appeal rights.
The Queensland Government says the new planning pathway for regulating wind farms is the first step to requiring all renewable projects be impact assessable and subject to the same rigorous approval process as other major development projects.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie said from 3 February all wind farm developers would be mandated to consult with local councils, communities and other stakeholders for new projects.
“From Monday all proposed wind farm developments will be required to undertake compulsory public consultation and respond to stakeholder appeals,” Mr Bleijie said.
“Queenslanders voted for a Fresh Start and as part of that we’re delivering a voice for every local council, community and impacted stakeholder on new wind farm developments in their communities.
“It’s only fair that communities are properly consulted with for any new renewable energy developments in their own backyard, like many suburban communities are afforded when it comes to high rise residential development in their neighbourhood.”
Mr Bleijie said the introduction of an impact assessable planning framework underpinned by a new development code for wind farms would provide certainty for investors, communities and councils.
“We said we’d make the approvals process a level playing field with the same rigorous requirements, including community consultation, regardless of the project,” he said.
“The Crisafulli Government is committed to openness and transparency, and we will continue to listen to Queenslanders and engage with key stakeholders in the renewable energy sector as further approval process enhancements are made.”
Mr Bleijie said consultation with local government, industry and other stakeholders will continue as the next stage of the Government’s election commitment is implemented.
“This next phase will focus on making other renewable energy projects impact assessable, such as large-scale solar farm developments, as well as introducing a community benefit framework for renewable energy developments that is similar to the requirements that other major development projects deliver in regional communities,” he said.
More information on the wind farm development planning reforms can be found here.
