Business
15 January, 2025
Wind farm wins approval as council eyes royalties
Flinders Shire is leading the call for a 'fair share' of renewable energy projects.
A major wind farm project owned by Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest’s company Fortescue has been given the green light by the federal government, but Flinders Shire mayor Kate Peddle is calling for a better deal for her ratepayers.
Windlab’s Prairie Wind Farm last week gained Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) approval, subject to a range of detailed conditions including limits to how much koala habitat can be cleared and to how close the project’s turbines can get to falcon and goshawk nests.
The wind farm is being developed by Windlab on “an active cattle property”.
“On behalf of Flinders Shire, I congratulate Windlab and the Prairie Wind Farm on their environmental approval,” Cr Peddle said.
“A multi-billion investment like Prairie Wind Farm can be hugely positive for our region and Queensland, and we are very pleased to see it progressing. Our shire has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with RAPAD and ViSIR, marking a significant milestone for our community’s future as part of CopperString, a project that companies such as Windlab rely on to construct.
“The MoU seeks the creation of a Community Benefit Royalty Framework, something that we hope will set a benchmark for North West Queensland.
“Renewables should be accountable for more than just rates; they need to contribute to our financial freedom as regional councils.
“Our rate revenue accounts for only 11 per cent of our total revenue, and we too often rely on government grants.
“If resources in our regions are being harnessed for profit, then we deserve a fair share to reach true financial independence.”
Cr Peddle said there needed to be legislation to force renewable companies to pay royalties when operating in regional areas.
“We are welcoming and supportive of these developments; however, we will expect to see direct financial benefits flow from the project to the community,” she said.
“For instance, I think it’s reasonable that these companies commit to paying a cost per megawatt of generation to the local shire councils to foster our mutual growth.
“That creates a strong and respectful partnership.
“Council will be hosting a forum in May where we can meet with stakeholders, including our community, to drive this initiative, and we encourage investors such as Windlab to have a presence in these discussions.”
Last year, Fortescue took ownership of the Prairie and Wongalee wind projects near Hughenden.
In a statement issued last week, Windlab CEO John Martin said the federal green tick marked a “significant milestone” for the company and was a testament to the long-time developer’s commitment to environmentally sound practices and strong community support.
“Securing approval reflects around four years of detailed responsible design, and over two years of environmental scrutiny, and consultation,” he said.
“We are committed to achieving better outcomes for both nature and communities, going beyond just reducing emissions.
“By collaborating closely with communities and prioritising sustainable practices, we demonstrate how renewable energy can harmoniously coexist with the land while also fostering sustainable and equitable regional economic opportunities for everyone.”
Mr Martin said the Prairie project was expected to create around 500 jobs and inject more than $400 million into regional Queensland through employment and supply opportunities.
“We share a long history with the Flinders Shire, having identified and proved the region’s strategically critical renewable energy resource around 15 years ago through the development of our pioneering Kennedy Energy Park,” he said.
Member for Kennedy Bob Katter said he cautiously welcomed the news of the Prairie Wind Farm approval, noting that its progress and alignment with CopperString bring growth and investment in the region.
“The council has done a wonderful job working with Windlab to ensure the project fosters growth in the region and we throw our full support behind them in their pursuit to see improvements to road, housing and services in the town as part of the project’s influence,” he said.
Mr Katter also said he supported Flinders Shire’s push for a Community Benefit Royalty Framework.
“This framework will ensure that communities impacted by CopperString and the projects connected to it receive an additional, consistent source of revenue,” the MP said.
“It’s vital that local governments and communities are engaged in decision-making processes and that investors understand the importance of sharing the benefits of these developments. This approach will help strengthen the towns and regions that are driving Australia’s energy future.”