The Banana Range Wind Farm is located in the heart of Central Queensland, within Banana Shire Council, approximately 20km west of the town of Biloela and 120km south-west of Gladstone.
The Banana Range Wind Farm has received all planning approvals from the Queensland Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning (DSDMIP), and from the Federal Department of the Environment and Energy (DoEE). The approved layout included up to 51 wind turbines with a total capacity of 230 MW. Through careful consideration, the design has now been modified to 41 turbines, to reduce potential environmental and social impacts of the project. The amendment to the application is expected to be ready for submission in Q3 2024.
Blue Area: Banana Range Wind Farm Stage 1 (in development)
Yellow Area: Banana Range Wind Farm Stage 2 (seeking planning approvals)
A Cultural Heritage Investigation and Management Agreement (CHIMA) with the Gaangalu Nation People has been signed, and preliminary field surveys were undertaken in 2021 and 2023. A survey of the entire Development Footprint will be undertaken in Q3 2024 to ensure compliance with the CHIMA. We have appreciated the opportunity to work with the Gaangalu Nation People on country and will continue to incorporate their advice into our design, construction, and operational phases.
As Banana Range Wind Farm Stage 2 reaches maturity, the project will be advanced as a standalone project. This will include giving the project a new unique name and creating its own website. We are currently working on setting up everything in the background and will provide a link to the new website as it goes live.
Next Steps
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Wind Resource
Essential to the viability of the project is the confirmation of the quality of the wind resource.
To that effect, two meteorological masts have been installed on top of the Banana Range to measure and record a multitude of wind parameters feeding directly into the engineering design.
Grid Connection
EDF Renewables Australia continues to engage with Powerlink. Grid connection studies are underway and a full Connection Application will be lodged with Powerlink in Q4 2024.
Contracting
Major contracts for wind turbine supply and installation, operations and maintenance, and civil and electrical works are currently under tender or negotiation.
Regional capability to provide minor contract goods and services are currently being mapped. All local businesses interested in supplying goods and services are welcome to express an interest by submitting this form.
Field Development
The project has received all necessary planning approvals and is well into the development phase. Cultural Heritage surveys to start in Q4 2024.
Project Timeline
- Cultural Heritage survey
- Revised Grid Connection Application
- DA Amendment
- Geotech
- Financial Close
- Construction
- Operation
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