Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie scraps $1bn Rockhampton wind farm
A $1bn wind farm project in central Queensland has officially been scrapped after Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie used ministerial powers to refuse the development application.
The Moonlight Range Wind Farm, proposed by Greenleaf Renewables, was to include 88 turbines and a large battery energy storage system spanning 24 parcels of land at Morinish, about 40km west of Rockhampton.
The project aimed to generate up to 450 megawatts of electricity, enough to power more than 260,000 homes annually.
Despite receiving state planning department approval in December last year, the project was called in for reassessment by Mr Bleijie in January.
More than 500 submissions were received - including 142 from local residents - during a two-month public consultation period, with 88 per cent of respondents opposing the development.
Key concerns included pressure the 300 expected construction workers would put on accommodation, inadequate community consultation, environmental risks, and potential bushfire hazards.
Mr Bleijie said the rejection reflected a new approach requiring renewable energy projects to meet the same rigorous approval standards as major developments in other industries such as mining and agriculture.
'If communities support these projects, they will go ahead,' Mr Bleijie said.
'But 88 per cent of local residents opposed the Moonlight Range Wind Farm proceeding.
'We believe renewable energy projects should have the same community buy-in as other sectors.'
The project had promised 300 jobs during construction and about 10 ongoing positions once operational, with construction slated to start in 2026. However, community opposition proved decisive.
Member for Mirani Glen Kelly, who campaigned against the project, said community concerns had been listened to and considered as part of the approval process.
'The voices of regional Queenslanders who host these projects in their backyard are an important state interest and are finally being heard,' Mr Kelly said.
'These large-scale developments impact on local infrastructure, people living and working in these communities and also the natural environment.
The wind farm would have connected to the nearby 275kV Powerlink transmission network to distribute clean energy. However, with the refusal now official, the project will not proceed.
Under the Planning Act, the minister's call-in decision cannot be appealed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
7NEWS
a day ago
- 7NEWS
Free dental care extended for struggling Australians
As health costs continue to rise, eligible individuals can benefit from free dental care, including check-ups, cleans, fillings, and extractions. Those eligible are placed on the public clinic waiting list and may sometimes receive a voucher for a private clinic to access treatment sooner and help ease pressure on the public system. 'The Australian Government acknowledges the importance of accessing affordable dental services and the role good oral health plays in supporting general health and wellbeing,' a Department of Health, Disability and Ageing spokesperson told The number of vouchers provided varies depending on demand, location, type of treatment required, and service capacity. When an individual receives a voucher, they are also provided with a list of private clinics that accept it. The vouchers fall under the Federation Funding Agreement on Public Dental Services for Adults. There were concerns about whether the vouchers would continue following the agreement's expiration on June 30, but those concerns were quashed in the 2025–26 budget announcement. 'The Government will provide $107.8 million in 2025–26 to state and territory governments to support public dental services for adults,' the DHDA spokesperson said. 'This funding will be provided through a one-year extension of the Federation Funding Agreement on Public Dental Services for Adults.' Those eligible include Queensland adults holding current concession or health cards, as well as children eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule or listed on a valid Centrelink concession card. 'The Child Dental Benefits Schedule has provided $3.1 billion in benefits and delivered over 51 million services to 3.5 million children since it commenced in January 2014,' the DHDA spokesperson said. 'Queensland Health is committed to improving the oral health of Queenslanders and increasing access to public oral health services,' the state's Chief Dental Officer, Dr Ben Stute, told The vouchers are issued by Queensland Health's Hospital and Health Services (HHS) and are designed to alleviate strain on public dental clinics. In 2022–23, those on the public dental list waited an average of 578 days to be seen in Queensland and 387 days in New South Wales, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). While the dental services are free, patients are responsible for their own transport to and from appointments. Appointments are provided at hospitals, community outreach clinics, public clinics, and schools across Queensland. When a voucher is obtained, patients can also access care at a private clinic. Many dentists recommend a check-up twice a year, as it provides a range of benefits. 'It not only prevents dental diseases but contributes to improved nutrition, communication, and self-esteem, which are crucial for leading a healthy and fulfilling life,' Stute said. 'In contrast, poor oral health is linked to chronic diseases, including diabetes and heart and lung disease, and may lead to people needing care in hospital.' The most common oral diseases affecting Australians include tooth decay, tooth loss, and gum disease, according to AIHW. Approximately one in three adults has at least one tooth affected by untreated decay, and one in nine children aged 5 to 14 has never seen a dentist. The best way to prevent dental issues is through regular check-ups, brushing twice a day, using products like floss, and limiting sugar and alcohol intake. For those without any assistance, a standard dental check-up costs, on average, $219, according to the Australian Dental Association. However, the Government is working with states and territories to develop a new National Oral Health Plan. 'This will include goals to improve the oral health status of Australians and reduce inequalities in oral health status across the Australian population,' the DHDA spokesperson said. A National Dental Reform Oversight Group has been established, comprised of senior government policy officials 'tasked with developing options for sustainable and longer-term dental funding arrangements that better meet community needs'. In 2025–26, access to private health insurance will also be made more affordable, with a $7.8 billion Government contribution to the rebate.
Sydney Morning Herald
4 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Sold for millions: One of West End's last untouched Queenslanders
One of West End's last untouched Queenslanders has sold for $2.5 million in a heated auction that drew a crowd of more than 100. The three-bedroom, one-bathroom home – at 22 Sussex Street – has been in the same family since the '50s and took six months to get market ready, with decades of belongings cleared out and only essential updates made to ensure the property was up to code. The home remained ripe for a $1 million-plus renovation – but that didn't deter 15 registered bidders, drawn in by its elevated, flood-free 536-square-metre block, city views and coveted position within the Brisbane State High catchment. Bidding kicked off at $1.6 million and once down to two bidders, jumped in leaps of $100,000 and $75,000. Selling agent Angela Stergou, of Leo Tsimpikas Real Estate, said it was then that the real battle began. 'They were both adamant they would get it, and they were both trying to blow the other bidders out of the water,' she said. 'The underbidders were devastated to miss out. The buyers live in West End and they had been wanting to renovate a Queenslander and make it their own. They just loved this house.' Stergou estimated the renovation could cost up to $1.5 million for a high-end finish.
The Age
4 days ago
- The Age
Sold for millions: One of West End's last untouched Queenslanders
One of West End's last untouched Queenslanders has sold for $2.5 million in a heated auction that drew a crowd of more than 100. The three-bedroom, one-bathroom home – at 22 Sussex Street – has been in the same family since the '50s and took six months to get market ready, with decades of belongings cleared out and only essential updates made to ensure the property was up to code. The home remained ripe for a $1 million-plus renovation – but that didn't deter 15 registered bidders, drawn in by its elevated, flood-free 536-square-metre block, city views and coveted position within the Brisbane State High catchment. Bidding kicked off at $1.6 million and once down to two bidders, jumped in leaps of $100,000 and $75,000. Selling agent Angela Stergou, of Leo Tsimpikas Real Estate, said it was then that the real battle began. 'They were both adamant they would get it, and they were both trying to blow the other bidders out of the water,' she said. 'The underbidders were devastated to miss out. The buyers live in West End and they had been wanting to renovate a Queenslander and make it their own. They just loved this house.' Stergou estimated the renovation could cost up to $1.5 million for a high-end finish.
