Frequently asked questions

The Project

  • The Project will deliver significant benefits to the region and local communities, including:

    • creating approximately 300-400 new jobs during construction

    • creating up to 30-40 long-term jobs to operate the wind farm

    • generating up to 1.2 GW of new, low-cost renewable energy

    • contributing to Australia's renewable energy goals

    • generating clean, affordable energy to power up to 559,000 average Australian homes each year

    • reducing up to 2.2 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions

    • encouraging investment in Queensland's Western Downs region.

  • The Project will likely use Vestas V172 7.2 MW Turbines. These turbines will have a hub height of around 150m and a maximum blade tip height of approximately 236m.

  • Several studies commissioned by Australian state governments examining the potential impacts of wind farms on property values have found no evidence that wind farms lower the value of a rural property. These studies can be found in the Assessment of the Impact of Wind Farms on Surrounding Land values in Australia report.

Project construction

  • Construction and operation will require a range of skills, such as:

    • engineering

    • trade (electrical, mechanical, construction)

    • transport

    • building material providers

    • equipment operators

    • consultants

    • project management

    • administration.

  • Vestas understands that water is an important issue for the Western Downs community. During construction, water will be required for concrete batching and potentially for dust suppression. Vestas will source water from local supplies, subject to availability and within the constraints of the development consent for the project.

  • Vestas will investigate the local roads and identify the most suitable transport route to the Project site. Engagement with local councils, stakeholders and the wider community will influence the route chosen, and the Project will use major roads to access the site when possible. The Project team will determine a final route after consultation with Western Downs Regional Council and the Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) to identify any required upgrades.

  • The proposed development must satisfy the stringent biodiversity impact assessment requirements of both the State Government and the Federal Government (through the EPBC Referral process). 

    We are conducting various flora and fauna surveys, as well as specific bird and bat surveys. Each survey is undertaken by accredited ecologists. 

    The Project layout is designed to minimise impacts to biodiversity by establishing infrastructure and roads to avoid areas of ecological value.  

  • No. Vestas maintains a strict company-wide policy that prohibits the use of PFAS chemicals in all materials it supplies, distributes, or manufactures. This internal commitment aligns with and is reinforced by Australia's official ban on the manufacture, import, export, and use of three specific PFAS chemicals, effective 1 July 2025.

Project operations

  • Wind farms and aerial spraying co-exist in other agricultural regions across Australia.

    Sprayers must prepare a flight plan considering all obstacles including wind turbines, power lines, telco towers etc.

    Aerial spraying is typically conducted in low wind conditions <15km/h. Wind turbines do not commence operating until wind speeds exceed >11km/h, which means there is a high likelihood the turbines will be still whilst spraying is being undertaken.

  • The Project will connect to the existing 330kV transmission line running north to south between the Braemar and Bulli Creek substations.

  • Wind turbines generate sound; however, people can generally maintain a conversation at the turbine's base without raising their voices. The wind speed and direction, topography, vegetation and distance from the turbine will impact how loud the turbines can be.

    The Queensland Wind Farm State Code specifies noise criteria to ensure that noise levels from wind turbines are compatible with surrounding land uses and do not significantly affect residents in the area.

    As part of the development process, noise monitoring and impact assessment for the Tara Wind Farm project will be undertaken to ensure the operational noise at neighbouring dwellings complies with the relevant noise criteria specified in the guidelines. Noise will also be monitored during operations to ensure the actual operational noise does not exceed the relevant noise criteria.

  • The Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) Wind Farms and Bushfire Operations report states that wind farms are not expected to adversely affect fire behaviour, nor create major ignition risks. 

    Under Queensland’s Planning guideline: State code 23, Bushfire Management Plans are required to be submitted as part of the wind farm development assessment process.   

    The Tara Wind Farm Bushfire Management Plan will follow the AFAC guidelines for bushfire prevention, preparedness, response and recovery activities. The proposed Project is located on cleared, cultivated farming land and ongoing vegetation management will minimise bushfire risks around the site. Adherence to Queensland’s setback requirements under State code 23, will also ensure existing trees and vegetation are considered when planning turbine locations to ensure adequate setback. 

  • Australia's National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) studied a body of evidence in 2015 in relation to whether wind farm emissions affect human health. The NHMRC published the Information Paper: Evidence on Wind Farms and Human Health and concluded there was no consistent evidence that wind farms cause adverse health effects in humans. 

  • No. There is no evidence to suggest that wind turbines or other renewable energy equipment pose a contamination risk to livestock, crops or food production when co-located with agricultural farming land. There is also no requirement to have livestock setback from this equipment.

  • Yes. Integrity Systems, which manages the Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) program, has stated that it is safe for livestock to graze in a paddock that also contains wind turbines or other renewable energy equipment.

  • No. Having these items on your property does not impact obtaining or retaining LPA accreditation.

Project decommissioning

  • Decommissioning means returning the area to its previous land use.

    At the end of its operational life, the wind farm will be decommissioned in accordance with the Queensland Wind Farm State Code and supporting planning guidelines.

    Decommissioning is the responsibility of the wind farm owner and a condition of the wind farm lease and will be an obligation under the Project development consent issued by the Minister of Planning. The wind farm owner will set aside funds for decommissioning.

  • The Project team will rehabilitate the landscape to its original/ agreed conditions. Infrastructure built solely for servicing the wind farm will be removed, and the site will be restored to its original state. Vestas turbines are currently 88 per cent recyclable, with research and development under way to recycle the remaining 12 per cent.

    Decommissioning is fully funded by the wind farm owner.