Queensland Government Axes $1B Moonlight Range Wind Farm

The Queensland government, led by Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie, has cancelled the $1 billion Moonlight Range Wind Farm project, which had conditional approval and was planned to power about 260,000 homes with 88 wind turbines and a battery storage system near Rockhampton. The cancellation followed a government-led review prompted by new LNP laws emphasizing community consultation and giving local councils greater influence over major developments, with 88% of local residents opposing the project mainly due to environmental, accommodation, and consultation concerns. Bleijie justified the decision by citing the need to prioritize community voices and ensure renewable energy projects receive the same scrutiny as mining and agriculture, while critics including the Queensland Conservation Council and Renewable Energy Council warn that the move risks undermining investor confidence and the broader renewable sector. Labor leader Steven Miles accused the LNP government of ideological opposition to renewables, warning the cancellation could lead to higher power bills for Queenslanders. Supporters of the cancellation, including LNP Member Glen Kelly, argue the project was poorly located and lacked proper community engagement, emphasizing the government's commitment to listen to local communities. The decision marks a significant precedent in Queensland's energy policy, reflecting tensions between renewable development ambitions and local community and environmental concerns.