Mount Hopeful Wind Farm

CLIENT: Neoen Australia Pty Ltd (Neoen)
SECTOR: Renewables
REGION: Central Queensland

The Mount Hopeful Wind Farm is a large-scale renewable energy project proposed in Central Queensland, within the Rockhampton and Banana Shire local government areas. The Project aims to harness some of the state's best wind resources to generate affordable and clean electricity. The Project is expected to have a final capacity of around 350 megawatts (MW), comprising approximately 63 wind turbines.

This development not only promises to bolster the local economy during its construction, but also contributes to Australia's energy transition towards 100% renewable energy sources.

OUR INVOLVEMENT: Environmental Impact Assessment.

Umwelt was engaged by Neoen to obtain the primary approvals for the project which included Material Change of Use and Operational Work development permits under the Queensland Planning Act 2016 and assessment and approval under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Our experienced planning and ecology specialists facilitated approval processes and strategy, led regulator engagement and undertook a comprehensive ecological survey program. We completed the necessary impact assessments alongside our trusted subconsultants to facilitate a streamlined State and Federal approvals process.

OUTCOME:

Umwelt’s team of in-house Ecology specialists delivered a variety of seasonal baseline surveys alongside targeted threatened species assessments. This comprehensive program shaped the final layout of the Project (along with other technical studies) prioritising avoidance and minimisation options wherever possible. The results of the surveys were used to develop tailored management strategies, including bird and bat management plans.

Umwelt was able to utilise contemporary and relevant approvals knowledge, new and emerging industry/sector insights and direct experience delivering complex planning and approval projects to deliver the primary approvals in a timely manner. Umwelt led extensive engagement with regulators to ensure favorable and acceptable approval conditions and post-approval requirements.