The developer of the proposed Forest Wind project is calling on the Queensland Government to suspend its proposed repeal of the Forest Wind Farm Development Act 2020 and engage in good-faith negotiations to secure a fair outcome for all parties.
The $3 billion project—located in pine plantations between Gympie and Maryborough—has secured development approval and is backed by a Sunshine Coast-based private investment group that currently supports 150 jobs in the region.
“Forest Wind offers least-cost, non-polluting electricity generation, with the capacity to power over 500,000 homes and offset 3 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually,” Forest Wind said in a statement.
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In May 2025, the developer submitted a revised layout to the state, applying voluntary constraints that increased turbine separation distances to over 4km from the town edges of Wallu, Maaroom, Boonooroo, Tuan, Poona and Talegalla Weir. However, the state did not permit public announcement or community consultation at the time.
“We are pleased to now share this update with the community,” said a spokesperson for Forest Wind.
“These constraints reflect our commitment to listening and responding to local concerns, even when formal engagement was blocked.”
Forest Wind also confirms its intention to negotiate Community Benefits Agreements with both Fraser Coast and Gympie Regional Councils, in line with recent legislative changes introduced by Jarrod Bleijie MP.
“The project welcomes this requirement and is pleased to comply, consistent with its longstanding commitment to local engagement, transparency, and shared regional outcomes,” the company said.
“Despite Forest Wind not being requested by the state to remedy, cure, or overcome any matters related to the project, Forest Wind was excluded from further consultation and ministerial meetings before the State announced its intention to repeal the enabling legislation.
“This decision has drawn criticism for undermining Queensland’s Investment Facilitation framework, which is designed to attract and retain private sector investment through stability and due process.
“Forest Wind has followed every process and built strong local support. With Queensland’s coal plants scheduled to close, maintaining the legislation provides critical optionality for the State’s future energy mix.”
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Since the announcement, Forest Wind has received hundreds of messages of support from residents, businesses, and stakeholders across Queensland and beyond.
“We’re truly overwhelmed and honoured by the support,” the spokesperson added. “It reinforces our team’s belief that Forest Wind must continue.”
Forest Wind is inviting supporters across Australia to join the newly launched Forest Wind Supporters Club—a grassroots initiative to connect residents, businesses, and stakeholders who back least-cost, non-polluting electricity generation. More information can be found here.
