Greenleaf Renewables has reinforced its commitment to supporting Queensland’s renewable energy transition through genuine partnerships that balance environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and regional prosperity in the development of its wind farm.
This commitment remains unwavering, despite the Queensland LNP Government’s decision last month to reverse the development approval for Greenleaf’s Moonlight Range Wind Farm project.
The Queensland Government approved the critical renewable energy project, located 40km west of Rockhampton in Central Queensland, in December last year, confirming that community consultation and planning requirements had been met at the time of the approval.
Ministerial powers were unexpectedly exercised to overturn the 450-megawatt wind and battery project – a development designed to power 260,000 Queensland homes in the near term and directly advance the state’s renewable ambitions.
Greenleaf is considering next steps and vows to continue to work collaboratively with governments at all levels to address concerns and seek solutions that serve Queensland’s long-term interests.
Having undertaken extensive engagement, development and technical assessments over the last three years, Greenleaf is now undertaking a strategic evaluation to determine the optimal pathway forward for the project. This may include, resubmission of a new Development Application, following additional work to ensure compliance with the updated planning regulations in Queensland.
All options under consideration will be grounded in strict regulatory compliance and underpinned by comprehensive engagement with the community and all stakeholders.
The project’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC) application was lodged with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water in early 2024 and remains under assessment. The EPBC assessment process is a separate process that relates to federal matters of national and environmental significance. Greenleaf will provide further information on the EPBC process prior to progression towards the next stage of assessment, which will be public exhibition of the preliminary documentation relating to the project.
Greenleaf has an established reputation for rigorous adherence to the highest standards of regulatory compliance and exceeding social and environmental responsibilities.
At the heart of Greenleaf’s approach is working with communities to understand local issues and developing respectful values-aligned partnerships that deliver shared benefits through open and transparent engagement.
Greenleaf has consulted thoughtfully with community stakeholders on the Moonlight Range Wind Farm since late 2021, including more than 550 interactions recorded with local landowners, neighbours, businesses, Council, community organisations, emergency services, schools, local leaders, politicians and other stakeholders.
Darumbal People Aboriginal Corporation Native Title Body, which is the organisation that acts on behalf of Darumbal people, is supportive of the project, and has been satisfied with the level of consultation undertaken to date. Greenleaf will continue to engage closely with these key stakeholders.
Greenleaf Renewables Director Chris Righetti said the company would actively engage with the Queensland Government to understand the specifics of the rationale behind the decision to ensure Greenleaf can maintain its firm commitment to regulatory and statutory adherence.
“Although we are incredibly disappointed by the outcome, we respect the Queensland Government’s decision, and we will now go to work to build on the strong foundations of the Moonlight Range Wind Farm and carefully consider future pathways,” he said.
“Working constructively with governments, communities, and all stakeholders will allow Greenleaf to identify viable future pathways that address feedback and align with Queensland’s energy needs.”
Greenleaf Renewables Director Tim Gregson, said Greenleaf remains unwavering in its commitment to power Queensland homes and businesses with clean energy, contribute to economic prosperity in regional Australia, and deliver meaningful investment in communities.
“We approach the journey ahead and next steps for Moonlight Range Wind Farm with a focus on constructive dialogue, evidence-based decision-making, and finding a pathway that serves the best interests of communities, the environment, and the national energy market. The journey continues with the support of the key project stakeholders,” he said.
Fifth generation farmer and proposed host landholder Tracey Richards, said her family entered into the project in good faith, believing it could deliver lasting benefits for the land, the community and the state’s renewable energy future.
“Greenleaf Renewables treated us as general partners, listening, respecting and working alongside us to shape a project that protected the land while supporting regional prosperity,” she said.
“The project’s cancellation is deeply disheartening. It feels as though the voices of local landowners who approached this process with integrity and in the spirit of collaboration have been overlooked amid broader political considerations.
“We still believe in the potential of renewables in Queensland, but we also believe it must come with consistency, transparency and genuine respect for the people who help bring these projects to life.”
