Bungaban represents a major step towards securing large-scale, low-cost wind energy to support Australia’s clean energy transition.
Situated on the traditional lands of the Iman and Auburn Hawkwood Peoples, this $3.9 billion, 1.4GW development is the first project being developed as part of the South Queensland Renewable Generation Hub.
It has the capacity to provide clean energy to the equivalent of 860,000 Queensland homes, displacing about 4 million tonnes of carbon from the state’s energy generation profile every year.
Detailed engagement and regulatory approvals are progressing, with Bungaban projected to be online and producing first energy for homes and industry by 2028.
Bungaban is situated between Wandoan and Taroom, about 450km north-west of Brisbane, within the northern and southern extents of the Western Downs and Banana Shire local government areas respectively.
Bungaban will coexist alongside several host properties’ long-established cattle operations and connect to the Wandoan South substation via Powerlink’s planned transmission line.
Strategically developing complementary wind and solar projects alongside the region’s foundational agricultural industry maximises the valuable use of the land, minimises impact to the community, and supports efficient supply of energy to the grid when it’s needed.
The Bungaban wind energy project is part of Windlab’s South Queensland Renewable Generation Hub.
The Hub includes individually permitted, wind and solar projects working together within one region. Most of the projects are still in early concept planning, with Bungaban being the most mature project in the Hub.
By taking advantage of the area's natural energy patterns - where wind picks up as the sun goes down - the Hub ensures renewable energy can power the grid around the clock.
The success of our business relies on strong, long-term relationships, and the delivery of equitable benefits that make an enduring, positive legacy for local people living in regional and rural Australia.
For almost three years we’ve worked with regional stakeholders to build an understanding of local priorities, while we validate the region’s renewable energy resource potential and complete the early technical work required to support confidence and clarity as we engage with communities.
Our focus is to support the community to participate in the development process to shape the Bungaban project, informed by local insight.
We recognise any new development can have an impact, and the utmost care must be taken to protect environment and community values.
Our approach to development is an iterative process that unfolds over several years. Comprehensive technical, environment, and socio-economic studies, together with input from ongoing stakeholder consultation, are essential parts of the process, and this takes time.
We are committed to working with landholders, Traditional Owners, community members, experts and partners to deliver meaningful, equitable benefits, and manage change associated with our projects in a way that is balanced, supported by stakeholders, and backed by science.
Born out of the CSIRO, Windlab uses our own leading-edge technology and globally recognised expertise to find, develop and operate the best performing renewable energy projects in the world.
For more than 20 years, we have engaged locals in our projects, respected the needs and wishes of communities and taken pride in driving positive socio-economic outcomes for local people in regional Australia.