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 and avoid the emission of more than 1.1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year. 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.
Construction of the first stage has now commenced with the establishment of the main construction site off Diamondy Road. Once fully established the site will include access tracks with erosion and sediment control, site office/ warehouse building and operation and maintenance facilities, car parks and temporary laydown area and substations.
A second stage is in development with other stages under consideration by Cubico and Renewable Energy Partners, and a Memorandum of Understanding between Stanwell and Cubico has been signed for Stage 2.
Stanwell’s share of Wambo Wind Farm is backed by a $192.5 million investment from the Queensland Government’s 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:
~250MW in stage 1
Number of turbines
~42 in stage 1, with capacity to increase in the future based on feasibility studies
Job creation
up to 200 during construction, up to eight during maintenance and operation
Reduced and/or avoided emissions
~1.1 million tonnes CO2-e per year
Equivalent homes powered annually
~170,500 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 and avoid the emission of more than 1.1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year.
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.
Construction of the first stage has now commenced with the establishment of the main construction site off Diamondy Road.
Once fully established the site will include access tracks with erosion and sediment control, site office/ warehouse building and operation and maintenance facilities, car parks and temporary laydown area and substations.
A second stage is in development with other stages under consideration by Cubico and Renewable Energy Partners, and a Memorandum of Understanding between Stanwell and Cubico has been signed for Stage 2.
Stanwell’s share of Wambo Wind Farm is backed by a $192.5 million investment from the Queensland Government’s Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund.
Project status
November update –
Current works underway:
- Access roads to each turbine foundation site are now being established. These tracks will be used to deliver turbine equipment as each tower is constructed and provide site access for maintenance once the wind farm is operational in 2025.
- Turbine foundations continue with 42 sites being excavated, steel frameworks installed and concrete pour underway at each site to prepare for turbine installation.
- Powerlink’s earthworks have commenced for the wind farm’s switchyard, which will transfer the energy generated by the turbines into electricity for the grid.
- Dust suppression, including water suppression and covered loads is now underway to reduce dust when site vehicles travel along public roads on the approved transport route. Dust suppression will continue each day during project hours throughout construction.
Upcoming works
- Late 2023: preparation will commence for the site’s electrical works to the substation.
- Early 2024: public road works commence to provide or improve site access.
- Early 2024: turbine deliveries to site
Stage 1 would deliver circa
250MW
of renewable wind energy
Stage 2 could see up to an additional
250MW
of renewable wind energy
Enough energy to power
~170,500
Houses annually when fully operational
Prevent the emission of more than
1.1 million
tonnes of carbon dioxide
Every year during construction Stanwell and Cubico, the joint owners of Wambo Wind Farm provide funding of up to $100,000 to support local community groups and organisations make a meaningful, long-term impact in our local communities.
We support projects that make our local communities even better places to live, work and play.
Latest News – 2023 Recipients Announced!
Congratulations to our latest recipients:
Taralga Retirement Village – Infection control equipment
- Taralga Retirement Village (infection control equipment) – Improving hygiene and health outcomes for residents with new infection control equipment.
- Jandowae Club (solar water pump) – Installing a floating solar powered water pump to enable renewable energy to transfer water between storage dams and reduce manual labour for community volunteers.
- Jandowae & District Show Society (Showground Office Upgrade) – Upgrading the showground’s main office to support community volunteers and events.
- Jandowae Kindergarten (energy efficient appliances) – Installing an energy efficient washer and dryer to support rural families and meet hygiene standards during drought.
- Jandowae Meals on Wheels (kitchen equipment) – Installing new kitchen equipment to support the 2,500 meals prepared for clients in need each year.
- Bell Bunya Community Association (community history collection) – Supporting a new collection of community history and artefacts at the Bell Bunya Community Centre.
About the Community Benefit Fund.
In 2022/23 Stanwell and Cubico, the joint owners of Wambo Wind Farm will provide $100,000 during the construction phase of the wind farm to support projects that help make our local communities even better places to live, work and play.
This funding will be awarded through two application rounds. A community advisory group will help assess applications to make sure that the funding goes to projects that are important to the local community.
The goals of the Community Benefit Fund are to 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)
Eligible projects will support one or more of these goals.
Completed Rounds
The pre-construction rounds of the Community Benefit Fund, supported by Cubico and development partner Renewable Energy Partners, provided $57,600 in funding to various community projects.
Round one recipients were:
• Taralga Retirement Village
• Jandowae Squash Club
• Jandowae Bowls Club
• Jandowae Golf Club
Round two recipients were:
• Jandowae Kindergarten
• Bell Golf Club
• Ironpot Farmers Hall
• Jandowae Progress Association
• Jandowae Primary School
To submit an application download the Wambo Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund Application Form, complete the form and email the completed application along with requested attachments to info@wambowindfarm.com.au
Timeline
Q1 2020
A wind monitoring campaign to confirm the wind resource potential in the area
JULY 2020
Environmental and planning assessment submitted
OCTOBER 2020
Development approval issued
APRIL 2023
Construction expected started
SECOND HALF 2025
Wind farm operation expected to begin
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).
News
Events
Community Information Session
Wednesday 6 December 2023
Jandowae Memorial Hall
4pm to 6.30pm including BBQ
Coffee Drop-in Event
Thursday 7 December 2023
Wombat’s Cafe & Grill, Jandowae
8am – 11am
Registration not required
Newsletters
COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER – NOVEMBER 2023
COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER – AUGUST 2023
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WORKS COMMENCE AT WAMBO WIND FARM STAGE 1
Construction works have commenced at Wambo Wind Farm, a 252 MW joint venture project between Cubico Sustainable Investment and Stanwell Corporation, located in near Jandowae in the Western Downs region of Queensland.
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.
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
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