The Queensland government's publicly owned generator, CleanCo, has withdrawn its partnership from the Moah Creek Wind Farm project in central Queensland. The project, proposed by private developer Central Queensland Power (CQP), is located 30 kilometers west of Rockhampton.
CleanCo stated that its decision was based on the project not aligning with its "current strategic activities, commercial portfolio, and investment priorities, citing changing energy market conditions."
New Partnership
Following this withdrawal, CleanCo quickly moved to secure new energy supply, signing a 10-year agreement with Windlab. This agreement will secure 75 percent of the Kennedy Energy Park's wind energy output, starting in 2028.
The Kennedy Energy Park, located near Hughenden in the state's north-west, is a hybrid facility. It includes a 12-turbine, 43-megawatt wind farm, over 55,000 solar panels, and 2 megawatts of battery storage.
Treasurer David Janetzki commented on the broader energy shift, stating its "potential positive impact on regional communities if executed correctly."
Moah Creek Project Status
Despite CleanCo's withdrawal, Central Queensland Power (CQP) affirmed that "the Moah Creek project will continue to progress." The project had secured federal funding in October last year through the Australian Government Capacity Investment Scheme, which remains in place. CQP also indicated openness to another investor.
The Moah Creek Wind Farm is currently undergoing assessment under the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, having received state government approval in 2023.
Community Response
The news of CleanCo's withdrawal was met with relief by some in the local community. Nick Holland, a grazier whose property neighbors the proposed Moah Creek site, "expressed relief at CleanCo's withdrawal."
Mr. Holland had previously submitted a petition with over 1,000 signatures to the state government, advocating for the project's cancellation due to concerns over visual impacts, construction effects, and broader community impact.
Context on Wind Farm Developments
This decision follows a trend of varying outcomes for wind farm projects in the region. In May last year, another $1 billion wind farm project 40 kilometers west of Rockhampton was canceled five months after receiving state approval.
Conversely, Andrew Forrest's 100-turbine Clarke Creek Wind Farm, located between Rockhampton and Mackay, has commenced operations after three years of construction.
Recent legislative changes by the LNP state government in 2025 require new wind farm development applications to include public consultation, community benefit agreements with local councils, and allow third-party appeals.