The Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning has rejected the Queensland Government’s recent proposal for a new wind farm, following community surveys.
The Moonlight Range Wind Farm planned for 88 wind turbines, a battery energy storage system, and related infrastructure to cover 1,269ha just 40km northwest from Rockhampton.
As reported to Mining.com.au, the Queensland Government introduced impact assessments on local wind farm projects to implement mandatory community consultation and third-party appeal rights in February.
The public consultation process indicated that 85% of people supported the application to be reviewed, to which was denied as the renewable energy project was not assessed by the same rigorous approval processes as other resource developments.
Member for Mirani Glen Kelly says these impact assessments ensure that community concerns are being addressed as a part of the approval process.
“The voices of regional Queenslanders who host these projects in their backyard are an important state interest and are finally being heard,” Kelly says.
“These large-scale developments impact on local infrastructure, people living and working in these communities and also the natural environment.”
The government is actively trying to limit Australia’s emission output, meeting the 82% renewable energy target by 2035 in its net zero plan.
The net zero plan is an extension of Australia’s action against climate change, following the Paris Agreement that outlined a global goal of holding the increase in average temperatures. Australia aims to meet its legislated target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Wind turbines are a key role in transitioning the country towards clean energy, though relying heavily and placing a strain on the production of rare earths. Rare earths mined for wind turbines include neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium.
The government recently awarded Australian Rare Earths (ASX:CMG) a $5 million grant from its International Partnerships in Critical Minerals Program. Supporting the completion of a Prefeasibility Study as well as the construction and operations at a new demonstration plant to minimise stress on rare earths operations for net zero.
Write to Maddison Elliott at Mining.com.au
Images: White Cliff Minerals (Stock)
