Goombi Wind Farm Lodges Queensland’s First Development Application Under New Planning Framework

Proposed Western Downs project formally enters state assessment process following extensive studies and community consultation 

Goombi Energy Holdings, a partnership between LP Renewable Projects and TagEnergy, has officially submitted the Development Application (DA) for the Goombi Wind Farm to the Queensland Government’s State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA), making it the first National Electricity Market (NEM)-connected wind farm to lodge an application under the state’s new planning framework. 

The proposed Goombi Wind Farm is located between Chinchilla and Miles in Queensland’s Western Downs region and is expected to generate up to 800MW of renewable energy, enough to power approximately 400,000 Queensland homes and businesses annually. 

LP Renewable Projects Director, Llion Parry, said the Development Application followed years of technical investigations and engagement with landholders, Western Downs Regional Council and key stakeholders. 

“Submitting the Development Application is an important step for the Goombi Wind Farm and reflects the extensive planning, environmental assessment and community engagement work undertaken to date,” Mr Parry said. 

“As the first NEM-connected wind farm in Queensland to submit an application under the state’s new planning framework. Goombi demonstrates how large-scale renewable energy projects can be thoughtfully planned to co-exist with the primary production and established resource industries that are critical to the Western Downs region.” 

TagEnergy Managing Partner – Australia, Andrew Riggs, said careful site selection had positioned the Goombi Wind Farm for long-term success. 

“The Goombi Wind Farm is a significant renewable energy project for Queensland and will play an important role in supporting the state’s transition to a sustainable and lower emission energy system,” Mr Riggs said. 

“Goombi stands out because the fundamentals are right. The site sits alongside existing 275kV Powerlink transmission, so we're connecting to infrastructure that's already there rather than building it from scratch. Combined with predominantly flat, previously disturbed land, excellent transport access and a skilled regional workforce, we're well positioned to deliver efficiently and help meet Queensland's future energy needs.”  

The Development Application includes detailed environmental, technical and social impact assessments developed in consultation with specialist advisors and informed by ongoing engagement with the community and key stakeholders. 

In April, Goombi Energy Holdings and Western Downs Regional Council announced a landmark Community Benefits Agreement delivering $30 million over 35 years, focused on housing, skills development and local infrastructure initiatives for the region. 

 Alongside the wind farm, a large Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is also proposed and will provide additional energy security and stability for the Western Downs region and Queensland’s electricity network.