Queensland's Renewable Energy Plans Under Scrutiny Amid Uncertainty Over Wind Farm Projects

Renewable energy advocates have expressed concerns that the Queensland government's increased use of special "call-in" powers to assess wind farm projects could create uncertainty for investors and communities.

The state government is currently using these powers to assess at least three renewable energy projects, including the Bouldercombe Battery Energy Storage System near Rockhampton and two proposed projects on the Western Downs: the Marmadua Energy Park and the Middle Creek Energy Hub.

These projects are located in the same region as the proposed $32 billion Western Downs Digital Park, a large-scale data centre project near the town of Dalby.

Uncertainty for investors and communities

National director of the Renewable Energy Alliance, Andrew Bray, said the state government's enthusiasm for using these exceptional powers could be a roadblock for investment in energy projects.

"Anything that brings in that level of uncertainty just makes it much harder for communities to get their head around," he said.

"Once a planning approval is given, then let's go ahead with it. If it's not, then we can move on to something else," Mr Bray added.

Call for clarity on approval process

Local federal member and Nationals MP David Littleproud has also called on the Queensland government to intervene in the federally approved $1.5 billion Tarong West Wind Farm proposed in the South Burnett region.

While Mr Littleproud said he was "not against renewables", he suggested that the Tarong West Wind Farm should be scrapped, citing concerns from communities about the workers' camp and the project.

"I think we've got the opportunity to get this right with baseload power, gas, coal, nuclear — if we're brave enough, and I think we should be brave enough — and put all the options on the table because this is the new frontier," Mr Littleproud said.

Government response

Queensland Treasurer and Energy Minister David Janetzki said the state government was committed to renewable energy projects, adding that Queensland had more large-scale wind and solar projects committed to than anywhere else in Australia.

"We've got applications processes and we've given the community a chance to have their say, and that's an important process," he said.

"We're open for business and that means renewable in the private sector and that's an important thing to make clear."

Expert insights

Queensland University of Technology adjunct associate professor John Mickel compared the current tension about energy projects to the lengthy debate about the New Hope coal mining development near Oakey.

"Any uncertainty when a major investment is underway raises the risk for the project and, therefore, the capital to invest in those things also rises," he said.