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.
Our commitment to engagement means being available to the community. Join us at our upcoming events to meet our team, learn about project updates, and share your thoughts. We value your time, feedback, and input, and we’re here to answer any questions you may have.
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 360MW 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
Project Updates
Please download our community update from April 2023 which contains an update and summaries of key topics.
Landscape and visual
Noise
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)