Queensland Pulls Support for Major Wind Farm Project

State-owned generator CleanCo said the project no longer aligned with its current strategic activities, commercial portfolio and investment priorities.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie (L) and Premier David Crisafulli arrive to talk to media after being sworn in at Government House in Brisbane, Australia, on Oct. 28, 2024. AAP Image/Jono Searle

Publicly owned generator, CleanCo Queensland, has announced it will back out of plans to partner with Central Queensland Power (CQP) to acquire a large-scale wind project.

The proposed Moah Creek Wind Farm, about 30 kilometres west of Rockhampton in Central Queensland, would include up to 60 turbines and is expected to generate enough electricity to power nearly 200,000 homes.

While the developer said the project would introduce local energy discounts and provide community funding and employment, environmentalists, including the Capricorn Conservation Council, have raised concerns about its potential negative impacts on ghost bat populations and the Great Barrier Reef.

According to the conservation group, the project would have infringed upon 419.8 hectares of koala habitat and 368 hectares of greater glider habitat.

The wind farm was initially proposed under the former Labor state government in 2023, with the intention that it would progress to public ownership once constructed.

In a statement on Jan. 28, the current Queensland Liberal National Party (LNP) government said the wind farm did not “align with its current strategic activities.”

“The project was being progressed under a Project Option Agreement between CleanCo and private developer, CQP,” it said.

“This agreement provided CleanCo with the option to acquire the project following completion of all development activities, including state and federal approval processes.

“As a result of ongoing assessments of all projects in development, including their alignment with the Queensland government’s Energy Roadmap, CleanCo has determined that, as an owned asset, the Moah Creek Wind Farm does not align with its current strategic activities, commercial portfolio and investment priorities, given changing energy market conditions.”

CleanCo says it has removed itself from all development and delivery activities, but says it will continue discussions around a potential “future offtake opportunity” from the wind farm.

“CleanCo acknowledges the time, effort and collaboration of landholders, traditional owners, near neighbours and community members who engaged during the early stages of the project,” it said.

The state’s decision to withdraw does not mean the project will never transpire, but it could make it harder to secure an investor and continue development.

The state government said CQP, as a private developer, would determine its own next steps for the project without the involvement of CleanCo.

The Epoch Times has reached out to CQP for comment.

Liberals’ Objection of the Wind Farm

The Moah Creek Wind Farm has a history of opposition from within the Liberal Party at both state and federal levels.

In May, 2024, then federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton visited families in the surrounding area and spoke to locals who protested the idea of numerous wind turbines taking over their picturesque skyline.

Dutton said the project would have “a serious and lasting impact on the environment and the local community” in what is prime agricultural land.

State MP Glen Kelly, who represents the electoral district of Mirani, was also opposed to the project.

In Sept. 2025, Kelly said he was “ready to put his hand up and fight the good fight” against the proposal due to a lack of consultation with the community and a lack of regard for wildlife.

He also noted that the project would have taken up 800 hectares of land and threatened remnant vegetation.