Queensland’s $1 billion Moonlight Range Wind Farm project has sensationally been abandoned in the wake of fierce local resistance and ministerial intervention. The decision, made by Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie on May 22, has been met with heated debate across political, environmental and industry discussion, and sets the tone for the treatment of renewable energy projects in Queensland for the future.
Backlash From the Community Causes it to Shut Down
The proposed Moonlight Range Wind Farm─a Greenleaf Renewables’ flagship renewable energy project—which was to produce up to 450 megawatts of electricity to power over 260,000 homes annually. It was set to comprise 88 wind turbines and a battery energy storage facility over 24 land lots near Morinish, 40 km west Rockhampton. The project said it would create 300 jobs during construction and 10 permanent jobs once operational.
But after getting the green light from the State Assessment and Referral Agency in December 2024, the project took a brutal turn when Mr. Bleijie “called in” the development for re-evaluation in January. More than 500 public submissions were posted during a two-month consultation period, 142 of them by local residents, and 88% opposed the wind farm.
Issues mentioned: Housing, Environment and Risk of Fire
The main sticking points were the pressure it would place on the local accommodation market with 300 construction workers in town, a lack of consultation with the community, potential environmental damage and an increased risk of bushfires. Those concerns were critical.
Renewable energy projects should require community support in the same way as for other industries such as mining and agriculture,” Mr. Bleijie said. “If a community wants these projects to happen, they’re going to happen. But 88 per cent of locals did not want the Moonlight Range Wind Farm to continue on.”
88 per cent of locals did not want the Moonlight Range Wind Farm to continue on.
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A Change of Policy — or a Retreat?
The cancellation highlights what Bleijie referred to as a “new approach” to energy development that requires renewable projects to meet the same high hurdles as other industries. This change has been greeted with concern by renewables supporters who are concerned that it may undermine investment and slow progress towards Australia’s clean energy aspirations.
But for local residents and some landholders, it’s a win for local voices. John Ellrott, whose cattle ranch comes up to the Moonlight Range, said he felt relieved. “The Moonlight Range has some very significant flora and fauna that needs protecting. We don’t need every range blanketed in wind towers.”
LNP Member for Mirani Glen Kelly said the announcement was “great news” and a win for Rockhampton region communities. “The communities have to have some say on these projects… Happy days for the people who’ve been working hard to block this.”
“The communities have to have some say on these projects… Happy days for the people who’ve been working hard to block this.”
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No Appeals Allowed
The minister’s determination determines the Moonlight Range Wind Farm’s future and cannot be appealed under the Planning Act.
Moonlight Range Wind Farm
The Moonlight Range Wind Farm was set to be a major milestone in Queensland’s transition to a cleaner, greener energy system. With the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan in its corner, the state has set targets of 70% renewable energy by 2032 and 80% by 2035 which are essential if we are to slash emissions and ensure that Queensland’s future energy is sustainable.
“There has already been more than $11 billion invested in renewables in Queensland since 2015 with 54 large-scale projects which support almost 8,700 construction jobs. The state is also a leader in rooftop solar, installed on more than 10,000MW, which helped push renewable energy to 27% of the grid.
Australia is on a national push to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 43% of 2005 levels by 2030 and to reach net zero by 2050, with a focus on providing a clean electricity supply.
So What Now for Renewable Queensland?
The cancellation has fueled a larger discussion: Should local opposition be able to thwart large-scale renewable energy projects critical to fighting climate change? Or is consent of the community an important brake in an age of fast-paced energy transformation?
As Queensland contemplates where it goes from here, the Moonlight Range saga is a salutary reminder that green energy is not just about wind turbines and megawatts — it is also about people, place and policy.
But Australia’s energy policy aims to transform to a clean, secure and affordable energy system, with the aim of increasing renewable energy sources and reducing emissions. In light of this, the 2025 Australian election was a traditional battle for green energy sources against dirty energy. The Moonlight Range Wind Farm is more than the loss of a wind farm, it is a sign of the times and a sign of climate policies and community engagement that remain disconnected. In Australia’s net-zero push, every renewable project counts.
And now is when we need to be keeping informed, speaking up and standing up for smart, sustainable energy solutions. If you’re a policy maker, investor or simply want to make the world a better place, your voice has influence to drive the future of Australia’s energy.
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