Australia's electricity market is in transition to cleaner, renewable sources of energy as a necessary strategy to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Avoiding and minimising impacts to flora and fauna is a priority. Increasing renewable energy capacity and protecting local wildlife are both critically important and compatible objectives, it just requires careful planning and management, and the right approach.

The proposal will be subject to a rigorous and comprehensive environmental assessment process under both the state and federal governments.

Ecological assessment requirements for the Queensland Government's State Assessment and Referral Agency are prescribed in State code 23: Wind farm development .

The Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water will assess the proposal through an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), a multi-step process that provides for community participation.

More than two years of ecological assessment will be done by independent ecologists, scientists and specialist survey teams, including regional ecosystem mapping, field studies and multi-seasonal surveys, and targeted investigations for key species.

As the work is done the project design will be refined and modified accordingly in consultation with ecological experts and key stakeholders. Ark Energy is committed to working closely with its ecology consultants and environmental scientists to develop strategies for a net positive outcome for the area’s biodiversity over the longer term.

Download the Ecology information sheet (February 2024).