Bungaban Wind receives EPBC approval
Bungaban Wind Energy Project has secured approval under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), completing its major government approvals pathway and supporting continued progress towards financial close and delivery.
Located on Iman and Auburn Hawkwood Country between Wandoan andTaroom in Queensland, Bungaban Wind is one of Queensland's largest proposedrenewable energy projects. Once operational, it has the potential to power theequivalent of around 860,000 Queensland homes and displace approximately 4million tonnes of carbon emissions each year.
The up to 1.4GW project received Queensland state development approval in 2025 and is being developed as a joint venture between Windlab and Squadron Energy. Bungaban Wind has been designed to coexist with existing grazing operations while delivering long-term benefits for local communities and the broader region.
Kimberly Cram MBE, Project Director, Bungaban Joint Venture, said the project’s significance extends beyond its scale, reflecting years of work to balance environmental, community, and economic outcomes.
"Bungaban Wind is significant not only because of its scale and generation capacity, but because of the care that has gone into its development," Mrs Cram said.
"Through our extensive environmental assessment and engagement with host landholders, Traditional Owners, and local communities, we've worked to understand local priorities and shape a project grounded in local alignment.
"The result is a project that can deliver clean energy, regional investment, and long-term community benefits while respecting the environmental and agricultural values that make this part of Queensland special."
The approval follows more than three years of environmental assessment and approvals work, including over 1,600 hours of ecological surveys and extensive cross-seasonal field studies. Through successive design refinements, Bungaban Wind has been carefully sited to minimise impacts, with more than 99.5 per cent of the wind farm construction footprint located within non-remanent verification.
Six years of environmental and technical studies, community engagement and social impact assessment have helped ensure local perspectives are reflected in the project's design and community benefit framework.
The framework is expected to deliver more than $50 million in community and First Nations benefits over the life of the project, including a Community Benefit Fund, First Nations Benefits Fund, Good Neighbour Shared Benefit Program and legacy initiatives. The project's Pilot Community Benefit Fund and Good Neighbour Shared Benefit initiative has already injected more than $175,000 locally to date.
Bungaban Wind is expected to contribute around $500 million to the regional economy through local employment, supply, and contracting opportunities, with around 1,000 jobs anticipated at peak construction.
The project has a landmark 25-year Power Purchase Agreement with Rio Tinto for 80 per cent of its capacity and was selected for the Australian Government’s Capacity Investment Scheme in May 2026.
The approval was welcomed by local government leaders across the region, who recognised the project's contribution to jobs, investment and long-term economic growth.
Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Andrew Smith welcomed the approval and acknowledged the project's continued progress towards delivery.
"As The Energy Capital of Queensland, this approval is a step towards yet another great opportunity for the Western Downs and provides certainty to the residents of Wandoan and surrounds," Mayor Smith said.
"Since engaging with Council in 2022, the Bungaban project team have demonstrated a strong commitment to our region, contributing more than $175,000 through various community funding and shared benefit initiatives.
"At Council, we believe the best projects are built on genuine community engagement, transparency, and collaboration. The Bungaban project team have demonstrated those same values from the outset, helping us create benefits that will be felt across the region."
Cr Nev G Ferrier, Mayor, Banana Shire Council, said the approval was an important milestone for both the project and the region.
“The Bungaban Wind team have been excellent to work with and have demonstrated a genuine commitment to engaging with the local community throughout the development process,” Mayor Ferrier said.
“We've received positive feedback from neighbouring landholders, and the project team has worked hard to build strong relationships and address concerns where they have arisen.
“This project presents a great opportunity for Taroom and the wider region through local jobs, economic growth and investment in our communities.
“We welcome this next step and look forward to the benefits the project will bring over the coming years.”
Cr Matt Burnett, Mayor, Gladstone Regional Council, said the project would help support long-term economic growth and energy security for major regional industry.
"This is another example of Central Queensland working together to support economic growth and ensuring our major industries remain competitive in future markets," Mayor Burnett said.
"Securing this energy supply for Rio Tinto’s operations in Central Queensland also ensure local workers have job security for many years to come."
The Bungaban Solar Project, which is also being progressed by the Bungaban Joint Venture, recently completed its Commonwealth environmental assessment, with the Australian Government determining that the project was a Not Controlled Action under the EPBC Act. Both projects have now met their major Commonwealth environmental approval requirements.
Further information about the project, including EPBC approval documentation and the Final Preliminary Documentation submitted as part of the assessment process, is available at: www.bungaban.com/approval-documents
About the Bungaban Joint Venture Projects
Bungaban Wind and Bungaban Solar are separate, co-located renewable energy projects being developed under a Joint Venture between Windlab and Squadron Energy, on Iman and Auburn Hawkwood Country between Wandoan and Taroom in Queensland.
Bungaban Wind is a proposed 1.4GW wind energy project designed to support Australia's energy transition while delivering long-term regional economic and community benefits.
Bungaban Solar is a utility-scale solar and battery hybrid project strategically sited alongside Bungaban Wind. The project will leverage existing infrastructure to optimise renewable energy generation and complement the output profile of the wind project.
About Windlab
Windlab is Australia's clean energy pioneer with deep expertise in the development of innovative wind and solar projects, delivered with a strong focus on community, Country and long-term outcomes. Drawing on its CSIRO origins, Windlab is recognised for its proprietary WindScape and GridScape technologies and has helped shape around 20 per cent of all connected wind projects in Australia's National Electricity Market.
About Squadron Energy
Squadron Energy is Australia's leading renewable energy company that develops, operates and owns renewable energy assets in Australia.
Squadron Energy is 100 per cent Australian owned and committed to leaving a lasting legacy for the communities where it operates. Squadron 2 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy in operation and under construction.
ENDS
MEDIA CONTACTS
Windlab Squadron Energy
media@windlab.com media@squadronenergy.com
