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
The first half of 2024 has seen Wambo Wind Farm reach some significant milestones, including the announcement and beginning of works on Stage Two.
Construction is underway for Stage Two of the project, and contractors recently completed pouring the concrete for the first wind turbine foundation of Stage Two.
The project’s Vestas wind turbine components are currently stored at the Port of Brisbane. Now that public road upgrades are nearing completion, the transportation of components from the Port of Brisbane to the Wambo Wind Farm site is set to begin with a test run planned for late September.
These over size, over mass (OSOM) deliveries will take 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.
We support projects that make our local communities even better places to live, work and play.
First round of 2024 Community Benefit Fund recipients announced!
- Jandowae & District Progress and Heritage Association Inc – Heritage Precinct Improvements
Works to weatherproof and increase display capacity of the Jandowae Heritage Precinct’s former School building and Shearer’s Quarters. The project will increase the available area for historical displays and all-weather access.
- Jandowae & District Tennis Association – Clubhouse Upgrades
Install air conditioning and add table tennis to club’s sporting options. The project will improve the amenities of the clubhouse for players and hirers, as well as adding an additional all-weather sporting and recreation activity for the community.
- Bell and District Golf Club – Electronic Payment and Digital Record Keeping Systems
Installing an electronic payment system in the clubhouse to improve Club’s capacity to support member and visitor transactions. The digital record keeping tool assists volunteers maintain accurate records of player handicaps and scores.
- Bell Theatre Group Inc. – Acquiring Catering Resources
The purchase of energy efficient, safe, and fit for purpose food preparation equipment for community events, in partnership with the Bell Memorial Public Hall. This project improves the functionality and viability of the Theatre Group’s activities and the Hall’s hire offerings.
- Jandowae Bowls Club Inc. – Enhance clubhouse amenity and accessibility
To attach shade awnings and build a disability ramp at the clubhouse. Project improves the functionality and amenity of the club’s public areas and enables accessibility for members and the large number of hirers of the facility.
- Taralga Retirement Village – Taralga Master Plan
To engage a qualified Community, Health & Aging design consultant to review existing residential assets and propose design concepts for future development. Project provides Taralga with a plan to guide future development and secure funding to meet growing demand for “in community” aged care.
- Jandowae Squash Club – Replacement of air conditioning systems
To replace aged and inadequate air conditioning system. Project supports the physical wellbeing of squash players and club’s capacity to host additional inter-club competitions and coaching events.
The next round of applications for the Community Benefit Fund close on September 16 2024.
How to apply
- Review the benefit fund guidelines to assess your project’s eligibility
- Contact our team on info@wambowindfarm.com.au or Ash on 4160 9235
- Submit an online or print application and send to info@wambowindfarm.com.au
What projects are supported?
To be considered for our Community Benefit Fund, your project must meet one or more of the below objectives:
- Sustainable communities: the project improves environmental outcomes
- Connected communities: the project enhances social connectivity
- Healthy communities: the project promotes the wellbeing of the community
- Resilient communities: the project drives long-term economic and social benefits for the community.
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
Turbine Deliveries – What to expect
- A test run will take place between 30 September and 2 October 2024. Subject to successful completion of the test run and necessary approvals being issued, regular deliveries will commence shortly thereafter.
- Deliveries will depart from the Port of Brisbane no earlier than 10pm, and all OSOM transport vehicles must be off the road by 7am the next morning.
- Transport vehicles are expected to travel through Jimbour/Jandowae/Diamondy area between 5am and 6.30am.
- Once regular deliveries commence, they will operate up to six nights per week subject to weather, resource availability and permitting conditions.
Each turbine is made up of eight tower sections, three blades, nacelle, hub and drive train and will require thirteen loads in total.
Following the test run and once the regular delivery schedule is established, it is anticipated that two complete turbines will make the journey from the Port of Brisbane to Diamondy each week. Each OSOM load will be accompanied by police escorts and pilot vehicles.
Deliveries typically will not occur on Sundays or on public holidays and the schedule will also be subject to change in order to accommodate special events, weather conditions, and equipment and personnel availability.
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