DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
We’re working to create the best possible site design for Forest Wind and to develop an affordable clean energy source for Queensland.
The process for developing, constructing and operating a wind farm is complex. That's why we're working towards a successful outcome with a wide range of stakeholders, including the Queensland Government, the forestry industry, local councils and communities, Native Title groups, planning authorities, environmental managers, wind turbine manufacturers and energy market operators.
Some of the major steps in the development process are outlined below and will continue to be updated as we make progress.
Development approval
To identify and design the Forest Wind site, we have used international standards and the Clean Energy Council’s Best Practice Guidelines for Implementation of Wind Energy Projects in Australia. Our commitment to best practice will extend across the project’s lifetime.
A development application for Forest Wind was made to the Queensland Government consistent with the State code 23: Wind farm development.
The purpose of the wind farm state code is to protect people, communities and the environment from adverse impacts as a result of the construction, operations and decommissioning of wind farm developments.
State code 23: Wind farm development, supported by its planning guideline, provides a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to the assessment and regulation of wind farm development across Queensland. The code and guideline ensures quality renewable energy outcomes while protecting communities from any undesirable impacts as a result of wind farm development.
Detailed technical assessments, including noise, ecology, aviation, shadow flicker, landscape, traffic and transport, and construction were undertaken to prepare the development application and demonstrate Forest Wind’s compliance with the code.
Forest Wind Holdings Pty Ltd submitted a suite of documents to the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA). These documents can be viewed and downloaded from the Department’s SARA application material website - https://planning.dsdmip.qld.gov.au/planning/better-development/the-development-assessment-process/the-states-role/sara-decisions. Search by using the application number – 1912-14632.
The documents are also available on the planning documentation page with key outcomes of the technical assessments provided below. We will continue to seek feedback and input from the local community on the proposed wind farm.
SARA issued a Decision notice on 21 February 2020 for Forest Wind stating that the development application was approved, subject to conditions.
Landscape
Forest Wind has been designed to avoid or minimise impacts on landscape and scenic amenity. Views from homes are limited and the region’s landscape values will be protected.
Acoustic amenity
With a separation distance of 3km from turbines to residences, any noise generated by the turbines will not be audible by households. The noise impact assessment confirms that turbine noise complies with requirements of the State code for wind farm development
Shadow flicker
Due to the 3km separation distance from turbines to residences, Forest Wind shadow flicker complies with requirements of the State code for wind farm development.
Separation distances
Turbines will be set well back from houses and situated at least 3km from nearby private residences—that’s twice the distance required by the State code for wind farm development.
Electromagnetic interference
Forest Wind’s turbines will be situated to avoid or minimise and mitigate electromagnetic interference. This means Forest Wind will have no impact on your TV, radar and radio transmission and reception.
Construction management
Forest Wind’s construction will be planned to avoid, or minimise and mitigate any adverse impacts on environment, water quality, water courses, amenity and local transport networks, and road infrastructure. During development we will also regularly keep the community notified of planned and actual works.
Flora and fauna
Forest Wind’s proposed location within an exotic pine plantation means the impact on local ecology is minimal. In accordance with the State code for wind farms, the design, construction and operation will also ensure that impacts are avoided, or minimised and mitigated.
Aviation
Forest Wind will be designed to ensure it does not interfere with aviation operation and safety in the area. There will be no adverse impact on aircraft and their ability to take off, fly and land safely.
Traffic access
During construction and operations, Forest Wind will ensure safe traffic access for vehicles entering the site.
Tenure
Forest Wind proposes the establishment of a large-scale wind farm under the Investment Facilitation process for Exclusive Transactions – a process which offers a pathway for complex private sector commercial proposals to seek a mandate with the Queensland Government. We have been working with the Queensland Government to resolve a suitable tenure for the Project.
On 20 May 2020, the Hon Kate Jones MP, Minister for State Development, Tourism and Innovation, introduced the Forest Wind Farm Development Bill 2020 to the Queensland Parliament. On 21 May 2020, the Bill was transferred to the newly established State Development, Tourism, Innovation and Manufacturing Committee (the committee) for detailed consideration and report by 3 July 2020.
The Forest Wind project area is the subject of a current plantation licence. The Bill establishes a legislative framework for the project to coexist with the plantation licence and to otherwise be undertaken in the State forests through exempting the project from certain provisions in the Forestry Act 1959 and the Land Act 1994.
The Bill was debated in the Queensland Parliament on the 11th and 12th August. At conclusion of the debate, the Bill was passed by the Legislative Assembly of Queensland.
Construction
Forest Wind is likely to be built in stages. We are currently working on these staging plans for the Project, including identifying the best access and construction routes to minimise impacts on residents.
As we progress in the design and staging plan, we will continue to keep the community informed and engage with residents directly on proposed construction routes, and potential impact mitigation and management plans.
We are conducting feasibility studies for the development of onsite construction facilities for the wind turbine towers and other components. This has the potential to deliver enormous benefits to the local economy by creating local jobs and industry opportunities.
Construction of a wind farm stage would typically be completed within a two-to-three-year period. Construction and traffic management plans will be developed, and local residents will be regularly notified of upcoming construction work and activities.
Learn more…
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