Wambo Wind Farm is a renewable energy generation project located near Jandowae, at a site chosen for its excellent wind resources and attractive grid connectivity.
The project is a 50:50 joint venture between Cubico Sustainable Investments, a major investor in the renewable energy sector globally and Stanwell, a Queensland Government-owned electricity generator.
Consisting of 83 wind turbines, the project will add more than 500 megawatts (MW) of clean energy to Queensland’s energy system. It’s expected the project will create up to 200 new jobs during construction, and 8 to 9 ongoing management and maintenance jobs once the wind farm is operational.
Stage One is now under construction and will consist of 42 wind turbines, adding 252 megawatts (MW) of clean energy to Queensland’s energy system by 2025.
Stage Two works commenced recently and will add a further 41 turbines and 254.2 MW to the project, boosting the total generation to more than 500 MW by early 2026.
Stanwell’s interest the project is backed by a $455.8 million investment from the Queensland Government through the Queensland Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund.
At a glance
Project name:
Wambo Wind Farm
Project status:
Construction underway
Location:
Western Downs region of Queensland
Generating capacity:
~500 MW total
Number of turbines
83 total
42 Stage one
41 Stage two
Job creation
up to 200 during construction, up to eight during maintenance and operation
Equivalent homes powered annually
~312,000 homes when fully operational
About the project
Wambo Wind Farm is a renewable energy generation project located near Jandowae, at a site chosen for its excellent wind resources and attractive grid connectivity.
The project is a 50:50 joint venture between Cubico Sustainable Investments, a major investor in the renewable energy sector globally and Stanwell, a Queensland Government-owned electricity generator.
Consisting of 42 wind turbines, the first stage will add 252 megawatts (MW) of clean energy to Queensland’s energy system. The second stage will generate a additional 254 MW of clean energy from 41 wind turbines.
When complete in 2026, both Stage one and Stage two will generate more than 500 MW.
It’s expected the project will create up to 200 new jobs during construction, and 8 to 9 ongoing management and maintenance jobs once the wind farm is operational.
Stanwell’s share of Wambo Wind Farm is backed by a $455.8 million investment from the Queensland Government’s Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund.
Project status
Project Update
2024 has seen Wambo Wind Farm reach some significant milestones, including the announcement and beginning of works on Stage Two, the completion of foundation works on Stage One, the commencement of regularly scheduled OSOM turbine component deliveries to site, and now, the construction of Wambo’s first wind turbine.
Construction is underway for Stage Two of the project, and contractors recently completed pouring the concrete for the 14th wind turbine foundation.
The project’s Vestas wind turbine components are now being transported from the Port of Brisbane to Diamondy six nights a week between 10pm and 7am.
These over size, over mass (OSOM) deliveries are taking place overnight to minimise the impacts on other road users.
More information on the route that these deliveries will be taking is available below in Latest Project News.
Project benefits
Stage one and Stage two will deliver
506MW
of renewable wind energy
The project will create more than
200
jobs during construction
Enough energy to power the equivalent of
~312,000
Houses annually when fully operational
Timeline
JULY 2020
Environmental and planning assessment submitted
OCTOBER 2020
Development approval issued
APRIL 2023
Stage One construction commenced
2024
Stage Two construction commences
LATE 2025
Stage One commercial operations commence
2026
Stage Two commercial operations commence
Every year during construction Stanwell and Cubico, the joint owners of Wambo Wind Farm, provide funding of up to $200,000 to support local community groups and organisations make a meaningful, long-term impact in our local communities. There are two rounds annually with funding recommendations made by a Community Advisory Panel.
We partner in projects that make our local host communities even better places to live, work and play.
Latest News – 2024 Round 2 recipients announced! Congratulations to our latest recipients:
· Jandowae Bowls Club Incorporated – We are partnering in the site works to expand the club’s storage facilities.
The Jandowae Bowls Club was granted funding to expand the club’s storage facilities, whilst enabling more functional use of the Club and its services for the community.
· South Burnett First Aid Volunteers Incorporated – We are partnering in a portable solar power station to support volunteers providing first aid in the Western Downs.
South Burnett First Aid Volunteers Inc provide first aid services at events and community gatherings across the Western Downs. This project involves the purchase of a portable solar power station to help power their equipment, maintaining readiness even in remote locations.
· Bell and District Golf Club – We are partnering in club house improvements including a shaded outdoor area and security system.
The Bell and District Golf Club were granted funding to improve the overall experience of club members and the community. The club will construct and install a shaded pergola area which will be adjoined to the clubhouse, allowing patrons to use the outside area in any weather. The area will also be used by other community groups for teaching and group classes. In addition, the club will install a security system.
· Chincilla State School P&C Association – We are partnering in tuckshop improvements at Chinchilla State School P & C
The Chinchilla State School P&C Association was granted funding to purchase commercial kitchen equipment to improve the functionality, use, efficiency and service of the school’s tuckshop. These facilities are used to prepare children’s lunches and the breakfast club and are used by community groups for a range of events throughout the year. This project qualified for funding as a large portion of our subcontractor workforce travel from Chinchilla to site.
· Jandowae Golf Club – We are partnering in a new solar system to improve the club’s financial and environmental sustainability.
The Jandowae Golf Club was granted funding to purchase and install a solar system large enough to operate the club’s irrigation system during daylight hours. The project enables the club to become more energy efficient and financially viable, passing on these benefits to their club members and the wider community.
· Jandowae Campdraft Association Incorporated – We are partnering in water infrastructure for the Jandowae Showgrounds for campdrafts and events.
Jandowae Campdraft Association Inc. was granted funding to install permanent water infrastructure throughout the Jandowae Showgrounds for competitions, livestock and campers. These events offer a major fundraising opportunity for local community groups and are well supported and attended by landholders and residents across the South Burnett and Western Downs Local Government Areas.
· Jandowae P-10 State School – We are partnering in in the Hear & Learn Program.
The Jandowae State School was granted funding to enable the school to invite the ‘Hear to Learn’ school hearing screening program out to the community. The program will bring paediatric audiologists to the school to screen the hearing of 130 students This information will help to create an awareness about any learning challenges faced, and inform a holistic approach to achieving learning outcomes for local students.
· Bell & District Memorial Bowls Club – We are partnering in ensuring these facilities are available for the community.
The Bell & District Memorial Bowls Club was granted funding under the Community Benefit Fund in order to purchase safe and modern food preparation facilities, including a fridge, freezer and deep fryer. The club is used extensively by the community for events and will assist volunteers in providing affordable meals to the local community and tourists, whilst acting as a community space for gatherings, celebrations and intergenerational events.
· FGP Moreton Inc. (Jandowae Early Learning Centre) – We are partnering in facility improvements at the Jandowae Early Learning Centre.
The FGP Moreton Inc Jandowae Early Learning Centre was granted funding to provide a fence at the kindergarten’s playground. The space has been designed for 3–5-year-olds and has proven challenging for a newly accepted cohort of 2-year-olds. The safety fence will help to segregate areas in the playground and improve safety.
About the Community Benefit Fund
The Community Benefit Fund exists to support community-led projects and initiatives that promote:
• Sustainable communities (initiatives that improve environmental outcomes)
• Connected communities (initiatives that focus on social connectivity)
• Healthy communities (initiatives that enhance the wellbeing of community members)
• Resilient communities (initiatives that drive long-term economic and social benefits)
A Community Advisory Panel consisting of active community members and representatives from Stanwell Corporation and Cubico Sustainable Investments considers applications to the Community Benefit Fund and makes funding recommendations.
If you would like to discuss a project or have an idea for a partnership please contact the Wambo Wind Farm Stakeholder Engagement team on 1800 490 475 or email info@wambowindfarm.com.au. Our team would welcome an opportunity to meet with you and help you to prepare an application for the next round which will open in early February 2025.
About the developers
Stanwell Corporation
Stanwell, a Queensland government-owned corporation, is a major provider of electricity and energy solutions to Queensland, the National Electricity Market and large energy users throughout Australia. Stanwell’s Tarong and Stanwell power stations, and Meandu Mine, deliver reliable energy for today. The company has a pipeline of renewable energy projects and power purchase agreements, including Clarke Creek, Tarong West, Wambo, Macintyre and Mt Hopeful Wind farms, Blue Grass Solar Farm and a hydrogen export opportunity are lighting the way for a bright future of clean energy.
Cubico Sustainable Investments
Founded in May 2015, Cubico Sustainable Investments is a major investor in the renewable energy sector. The company is backed by the resources of Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, Canada’s largest single-profession pension plan, and PSP Investments, one of Canada’s largest pension investment managers. Cubico’s global portfolio in eleven countries has an installed gross capacity of approximately 3.3 GW. Cubico is headquartered in London and has offices in Uxbridge (UK), São Paulo (Brazil), Fortaleza (Brazil), Milan (Italy), Stamford (US), Mexico City (Mexico), Madrid (Spain), Lyon (France), Sydney and Melbourne (Australia), Montevideo (Uruguay) and Bogotá (Colombia).
Latest Project news
The Wambo Wind Farm team understand an employee of the Joe Wagner Group contracting firm was involved in a motor vehicle accident on their way to work this morning and tragically lost their life.
Our thoughts and condolences are with this individual’s family and friends, their colleagues and the Joe Wagner Group. Every worker should be able to go to work and return home safely each day.
We’d like to remind everyone to take care of themselves and loved ones during this difficult time.
News and Media
Recent newsletters
Latest media releases
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Latest news
Wambo Wind Farm set to double in size
In February 2024, Stage Two of Wambo Wind Farm was announced – expanding the project to a 512 MW wind farm by 2026.
NEWS ARCHIVE
PRESS RELEASE: WAMBO WIND FARM ANNOUNCES FIRST RECIPIENTS OF COMMUNITY BENEFIT FUND
Wambo Wind Farm, a 500 MW development project in south-west Queensland, has announced the first four local recipients of its $50,000 Pre-Construction Community Benefit Fund.
MEDIA RELEASE: GREEN LIGHT FOR WAMBO WIND FARM IN WESTERN DOWNS
Construction of a wind farm project in the heart of Australia’s energy capital is getting close to commencing which will contribute to the government’s renewable targets.
MEDIA RELEASE: FIRST DELIVERY: WAMBO’S GIANT WIND TURBINES ON THE MOVE
IN A MAJOR MILESTONE FOR THE JOINTLY OWNED STANWELL AND CUBICO WAMBO WIND FARM PROJECT, THE FIRST TURBINE COMPONENTS HAVE BEEN DELIVERED TO SITE THIS WEEK.
Huge Wambo wind and battery storage project gets planning approval
The 500MW Wambo wind farm and associated big battery in the Western Downs region of Queensland has received planning approval from the state government, with construction expected to begin late next year.
Queensland grants planning approval for 500MW Wambo wind farm
The Queensland state government has grant planning approval for the 500MW Wambo wind farm to be located in south-west part of the Australian state.
Cubico sustainable investments in Russell, CT
We are delighted to announce the acquisition of the Wambo WInd Farm development project in the Western Downs region of Queensland, Australia, from Renewable Energy Partners (REP).
Wambo Wind Farm secures state government planning apporval
The 500MW Wambo Wind Farm project has secured planning approval from the Queensland state government.
Previous Community Meetings
16 JUNE 2021
Community Forum Meeting Notes
16 FEBRUARY 2021
Neighbour Forums Summary
11 & 12 SEPTEMBER 2020
Neighbour Forums Summary
9 & 10 DECEMBER 2020
Neighbour Forums Summary
Project Documents
Wambo Wind Farm – Area Offset Management Plan
23 May 2022
Wambo Wind Farm – Annual Compliance Report
2024
Wambo Wind Farm – Complaint Investigation and Response Plan
Wambo Wind Farm Stage 1 – Bird and Bat Management Plan
Wambo Wind Farm Stages 1 and 2 – Vegetation and Fauna Management Plan
Wambo Wind Farm Stage 2 – Bird and Bat Management Plan
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is the Wambo Wind Farm project?
In total, the project is approved to build up to 110 turbines, however construction will be completed in two stages:
Stage 1 of the project comprises 42 wind turbines.
Stage 2 is in planning and is contingent upon a number of factors.
How was the project assessed?
As with all wind farm proposals, Wambo Wind Farm was subject to assessment under both State and Federal government planning controls and environmental assessment criteria. The Project’s development application (DA) was approved by the Queensland Government under State Code 23: Wind farm development.
In late January 2022, the Federal Government approved the Project under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
How many local jobs will Wambo Wind Farm create?
It is expected that the project will create up to:
• 200 new jobs during construction
• 20 ongoing management and maintenance jobs once the wind farm is operational
Wambo Wind Farm is committed to the use of local labour and materials wherever possible and will emphasise this with contractors engaged for the Project.
How can I register for opportunities
on the project?
Wambo Wind Farm is working with Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprises (TSBE). TSBE is assisting with engaging local business communities and providing opportunities for the supply of goods and services as well as work on the project, particularly during construction.You can register your business interest in the project via wambowindfarm@tsbe.com.au
contact us
1 800 490 475
Wambo Wind Farm
GPO Box 800
Brisbane Qld 4001
info@wambowindfarm.com.au