The Queensland Government is currently reviewing the regulatory framework for wind farms across the state and has opened up the Wind Farm Code (State Code 23) for community consultation.
The review will set clearer benchmarks for managing developmental impacts in the pipeline and its accompanying guidelines will aim to strengthen community and industry confidence in clean energy projects.
Requirements of State Code 23 ensure the wind farms are designed and operated to minimise adverse impacts on the natural environment, ecological processes, visual amenity, air services, transport networks and noise levels.
The Queensland Government will review the Wind Farm Code and accompanying guidelines to protect the Great Barrier Reef and other areas of high ecological and biodiversity value.
Other expected outcomes of the review and accompanying guidelines also include:
- identifying and assessing viable haulage routes upfront
- establishing acoustic criteria in line with current best practice approaches
- highlighting rehabilitation requirements and expectations
- requiring proponents to investigate the impact construction will have on local workforces and accommodation
The Deputy Premier of Queensland Steven Miles said all wind farms in the state already undergo a thorough assessment process through the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA).
“This review is designed to strengthen those protections for communities and the environment, while creating certainty and clarity for industry with clearer benchmarks for managing environmental and construction impacts,” said Miles.
Associate Professor of Environmental Communication at Griffith University Kerrie Foxwell-Norton stated that meaningful consultation with communities is critical to creating local support and social licence for energy transitions.
“Failure to build relations of trust and genuine dialogue with those communities directly impacted by renewable infrastructure development has implications including and far beyond local conflict,” said Foxwell-Norton.
Proposed changes to State Code 23 will remain open for community consultation until 4 September 2023.
