The proposed 1.2GW Forest Wind project, to be built within Australia’s largest exotic pine plantation between Gympie and Maryborough, has been canned.
Citing community concerns, Queensland’s Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the LNP government would repeal legislation set by the former Labor Government that would allow that allowed the turbines to be built in state forests.
He said the legislation was “creating fear and anxiety in local communities”.
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“The Crisafulli government is ending years of uncertainty for the local community by repealing the special purpose legislation introduced by Labor designed to steamroll the local community in their reckless rush for renewables,” he said.
Wide Bay Residents Against the Forest Wind Farm Project said its members were “elated” that the proposal had been dumped.
The proponents of the Forest Wind project said the location has been “carefully selected and designed to minimise impacts on the landscape, environment, and community”.
The wind farm would have produce enough clean energy to power around 500,000 houses—one in four Queensland homes—and remove 2.62 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere.
Criticising the government’s decision, Queensland Conservation Council director Dave Copeman said, “Pine plantations are key areas we should look to build projects because the local biodiversity has already been severely impacted.
“The Crisafulli Government’s move to prematurely axe Forest Wind is just another indication that they’re putting ideology over the practical need to build renewable energy to get down emissions and power bills.”
It’s not over yet, though. A Forest Wind Holdings spokesperson says the firm remains “committed to delivering great outcomes for Queensland—aligned to LNP policy Forest Wind remains committed to deliver a landmark renewable energy project for Queensland, despite the State Government’s decision not to proceed under the current Exclusive Transaction process and to repeal the Forest Wind Farm Development Act 2020 (Qld)”.
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“Forest Wind was designed to complement Queensland’s energy mix with late-afternoon sea breezes that align perfectly with peak demand,” the spokesperson said.
“Our proximity to South-East Queensland and Gladstone, direct access to the Powerlink network, and extensive forestry road infrastructure position us to deliver reliable, affordable, and low-impact renewable energy.
“Forest Wind is actively assessing risk-mitigation strategies and intends to reapply under a similar State process in due course. The team remains dedicated to working collaboratively with government, Traditional Owners and the community to secure the project’s future.”
