Windlab exists to make fossil fuels obsolete. We are putting all our resources behind developing the technology and infrastructure to make energy from polluting sources redundant, while delivering net-positive biodiversity outcomes to help tackle the biggest threat to biodiversity on the planet – climate change.

The Upper Burdekin Wind Farm is a proposed, up to 500MW wind energy project located on pastoral land near Mount Fox, North Queensland, within Gugu Badhun country. An Indigenous Land Use Agreement between the Gugu Badhun and Windlab registered in June this year will see the Traditional Owners taking a leading role in environmental stewardship and land management for the project, incorporating traditional techniques. Significant opportunity exists through the ILUA partnership and project management plans to deliver invasive weed and pest management initiatives, as well as improve regional bushfire resilience through targeted fire management programs.

We are very proud of this partnership and believe it is a significant step forward in sustainable development, supporting active land management alongside Traditional Owners in recognition of their knowledge as stewards of the land.

Once operational, the Upper Burdekin Wind Farm will have the capacity to provide clean, renewable energy to more than 300,000 Australian homes, and will play a significant role in reducing Queensland’s reliance on burning fossil fuels to produce energy.

Windlab recognises all new developments must be responsibly managed, and that the planning and impact review process must be well-considered, evidence-based and scientifically verified.

Since the publication of our initial EPBC referral for the Upper Burdekin Wind Farm in October 2021 we have undertaken a range of detailed scientific studies to inform the Public Environment Report for the project. Importantly, the 136-turbine layout detailed in the Upper Burdekin Wind Farm’s initial EPBC referral documentation is not the final project design.

In line with the findings of this extensive study work and consultation, we have revised the project layout and eliminated approximately 50 turbines to the southern extent of the project area. This decision was made to mitigate potential impact to high value vegetation, reduce habitat fragmentation and minimise the visual impact of the project on the Mount Fox community, based on community feedback.

The updated layout will be included in the project’s EPBC Public Environment Report (PER) which will be submitted before the end of 2022.

We have also engaged with the CSIRO to support participation in the National Koala Monitoring Program, while working with regional conservation groups to gather feedback, address concerns, and inform project management plans, including a robust environmental offset strategy in line with our net-positive biodiversity objective.

As a responsible operator, Windlab takes its environmental performance seriously. We are committed to delivering a balanced, high performing project that incorporates leading environmental and engagement practices and meets the expectations of our stakeholders.

We welcome public discussion regarding the Upper Burdekin Wind Farm and encourage those with an interest in our projects to get in touch.

 

About Upper Burdekin Wind Farm

Upper Burdekin Wind Farm is a proposed wind energy project that will generate up to 500MW of power, located on pastoral land within Gugu Badhun country, about 65km south-west of Ingham, Queensland.

In June 2022, Windlab and regional Traditional Owners and Native Title Holders the Gugu Badhun registered an Indigenous Land Use Agreement for the Upper Burdekin Wind Farm in an important step forward for the project.

The project is currently in the development phase, during which the focus is on collaboration with community and stakeholders to inform and refine a balanced wind farm design that effectively manages potential impacts and meets stakeholder expectations.

Once operational, Upper Burdekin Wind Farm will have the capacity to provide clean, renewable energy to up to 300,000 Australian homes every day.

The proposed site provides access to a suitable wind resource and is ideally located near existing infrastructure. The project is compatible with the existing land use of the area, and Windlab is confident potential project impacts can be managed in a way that meets community and stakeholder expectations.

Windlab will continue working closely with the community and regional stakeholders to understand their needs in relation to the project and its benefits. Windlab will prioritise keeping the community informed and providing opportunities for input as we progress through the development approvals process.

For more information visit www.upperburdekinwindfarm.com.