The Clean Energy Council (CEC) is calling for greater consultation on Queensland wind farm reforms after the new LNP government imposed strict new planning regulations for wind farms, with all wind projects becoming impact assessable from February 3, 2025.
The CEC said it supported the introduction of impact assessments for local wind farm projects in Queensland, but cautioned against knee-jerk decisions that could risk future investment in Australia’s leading state for renewable energy investment, following the Queensland Government’s surprise announcement late last week.
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Clean Energy Council national spokesperson Chris O’Keefe said the retrospective application of new rules to approved projects sends a dangerous signal to future clean energy investors and jeopardised subsequent economic and community benefits for the sunshine state, and Australia more broadly.
“While we fully support any policy that promotes a more consistent and transparent approach to community engagement, we are deeply disappointed by the lack of consultation with industry following the snap decision by the Crisafulli Government this week to introduce these changes for new and approved renewable energy projects,” O’Keefe said.
“The clean energy sector delivers $68 billion for regional Australia, including direct payments to farmers and local communities. Queensland leads the nation in attracting investment in resources and clean energy projects in Australia and we must ensure this continues.”
O’Keefe said just as communities want certainty and transparency, the industry also needs certainty to have the confidence to invest.
“For Australia to remain an attractive proposition for future clean energy projects, investors need certainty. The changes announced this week have eroded that certainty for investors in Queensland and the prospect of keeping these well-paying local jobs in Australia.
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“As the peak body representing 1,000 members across the renewable energy supply chain, we strongly urge the Crisafulli Government to give the industry due notice and the opportunity to contribute to policy reform, prior to the introduction of any future changes to the project approval process.
“While we acknowledge these projects deliver significant economic benefits and opportunities to local communities, we would welcome the opportunity to work with the government on the best ways to leverage the reach of those benefits more widely for regional communities,” he said.
