Windlab’s Wongalee Wind Energy Project has secured approval under the Commonwealth’s EPBC Act, completing its major government approvals pathway in the lead up to final investment decision.
Located in the Flinders Shire north-east of Hughenden, approximately 300km south-west of Townsville, Wongalee is being developed by Windlab under a joint development agreement with Fortescue as part of the North Queensland Super Hub. The project has the capacity to generate up to 1.4GW of clean wind energy.
Related article: Windlab’s 1.4GW Wongalee Wind Farm gets development tick
With EPBC approval now secured, Wongalee becomes the second project within the hub to achieve all major state and Commonwealth approvals, following EPBC approval of Prairie wind energy project in 2025. Together, Prairie and Wongalee are among the most advanced renewable energy developments in north-west Queensland and are helping unlock the region’s renewable energy potential.
The project’s location provides access to a quality wind resource and is ideally positioned to benefit from CopperString, which will connect north-west Queensland to the National Electricity Market.
Windlab chief development officer Nathan Blundell said the company worked closely with local communities, landholders, and Traditional Owners to understand local priorities and develop a project that could coexist with agriculture.
“We’re grateful for the constructive engagement we’ve received throughout that process, particularly from the Yirendali Traditional Owners, local landholders, Flinders Shire Council and the broader regional community,” Blundell said.
Project development has included extensive environmental assessment, including nine seasonal ecological field studies and more than 1,050 hours of environmental surveys undertaken since 2021, alongside ongoing engagement with landholders, Traditional Owners, and the broader community.
Related article: Moah Creek Wind Farm clears federal enviro approval
Ongoing engagement with the Yirendali Traditional Owners has helped shape the project and is supported by a Shared Benefits Agreement and Cultural Heritage Management Agreement signed in 2024.
