The Project

Project Summary

Moah Creek Wind Farm is located 30 km west of Rockhampton in Central Queensland.

Moah Creek Wind Farm’s location was chosen for its good wind speeds, proximity to transmission lines, accessibility and our ability to achieve the project goals with minimal environmental and community impacts.

The project infrastructure will use only 6% of the total site area of 10,500 ha. This means the project will have a minimal impact to farming, where all extents are currently used for cattle grazing. The project infrastructure has been located prioritising the previously cleared areas and existing farm tracks.

The Moah Creek Wind Farm project will supply to the National Electricity Market (NEM) through generating electricity with wind power. Key features include:

Wind turbines

With associated hardstands and access roads.
60 turbines, producing 375MW of wind power.

Substation

An electrical substation and switching station.

Cable reticulation

Overhead and underground electrical cable reticulation to connect the turbines to the substation.

Met Masts

Meteorological masts for measuring wind speed and other climatic conditions.

O&M building

Operations and maintenance building with associated car parking.

Temporary construction facilities

Including a construction compound, borrow pit and concrete batching plant facilities.

Wind Farm Timeline

Site Selection & Feasibility
(18-24 mths)

  • Land identification

  • Constraints analysis and landowner mapping

  • Wind speed measurements

  • Initial non-intrusive site investigations, concept design and energy yields

  • Engagement with Traditional Owners and community reps

Construction & commissioning (24-36 mths)

  • Construction of roads, hardstands, substation, grid,

  • Turbines and other project infrastructure as required

  • Site managed by local operators

  • Agricultural operations continue adjacent to the wind farm

Operations
(25-30 yrs)

  • Annual rental payments

  • Site managed by local operators

  • Agricultural operations continue adjacent to the wind farm

  • Decommissioning (12 mths)

Development & DA Approval (24-36 mths)

  • Detailed site investigation work carried out

  • Environmental Impact Assessment prepared

  • Local community and key stakeholders consulted

  • Planning application submitted

Grid Connection Studies
(12-24 mths)

  • Analysis of connection options

  • Detailed design of substation and connection arrangement

  • Connection studies and assessment by AEMO and network provider

Financing & Procurement
(12 mths)

  • Sign all contracts required to build the wind farm

  • Secure financing for the project

  • Discharge planning conditions

  • Detailed on-site geo-technical investigation

Approvals

There are two ‘primary’ approval pathways for this project. There are also a series of ‘secondary’ approvals and permits such as for geotechnical investigations, batch plants and road permits:

Approval Pathway 1

We sought planning approval for the wind farm and its associated infrastructure from the Qld State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) under State Code 16 (Native vegetation clearing), State Code 23 (Wind farm development) & the Planning Act 2016.

State Code 23 applies to a change of use for a new wind farm. It is intended to protect individuals, communities and the environment from adverse impacts as a result of the construction, operation and decommissioning of wind farm development. 

We received our approval from SARA in August 2023. The approval is subject to a number of wind farm planning conditions to further manage its environmental and community values.

You can access a copy of the Development Application and its appendices, as well as the decision notice that sets out the approval and conditions  here (Please note this takes you to a search box where you must type in the reference 2211-32177 or ‘Kalapa’)  https://planning.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/planning-framework/state-assessment-and-referral-agency/sara-application-materialapplication-material

Approval Pathway 2

We have referred the project to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) for review under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

You can review our application and progress through the EPBC process here: https://epbcpublicportal.awe.gov.au/all-referrals/project-referral-summary/?id=fc1b8566-d237-ee11-bdf5-000d3a794f17

To read more about the EPBC process please check out the website here: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/epbc

Summary of DA reports and key issues

If you’re someone who likes to get into the science and details, please download our latest information resource to read more on the following assessments and studies.

  • Landscape and visual assessment

  • Noise monitoring

  • Flora and fauna

  • Aviation

  • Shadow flicker

  • Electromagnetic interference

  • Traffic and access, construction management

  • Footprint and turbine layout

  • Commitments to regional benefits

  • Detailed project timeline

  • Property values

  • Surface water, conceptual erosion and sediment control

  • Cultural heritage

  • Community Consultative Committee (CCC)

  • Neighbour Shared Benefit Scheme (SBS)