
🚀 Queensland Wind Energy: Greenleaf Reclaims Major Wind Farm Project Amid Policy Shake-Up
Oct 13
4 min read
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Breaking News in Australian Renewable Energy – While Queensland's energy policy creates uncertainty, Greenleaf Renewables makes a power move by reclaiming the 166 MW Stony Creek Wind Farm, proving that clean energy investment in Australia isn't slowing down!

⚡ What's Happening with Wind Energy in Queensland?
In a surprising turn of events, Greenleaf Renewables has bought back the Stony Creek Wind Farm project (27 turbines, 166 MW capacity) from Enerfin – just months after the QLD government scrapped the massive 450 MW Moonlight Range project.
Why does this matter?
With Australia racing toward net-zero emissions by 2050 and Queensland needing 11.2 GW of renewable energy by 2035, every wind and solar project counts. This strategic move shows that renewable energy companies in Australia are committed despite political headwinds.
🌏 Stony Creek Wind Farm: The Complete Breakdown
📍 Location: 11 km west of Biggenden, North Burnett Region, QLD (near Hervey Bay)
⚙️ Capacity: 166 MW wind + battery storage system
✅ Approval Status: Fully approved (state + federal environmental approvals secured in 2023)
🔌 Next Steps: Connecting to Powerlink's grid network (23 km away)
Project Timeline:
2022: Initially developed by Greenleaf
2023: Sold to Enerfin, secured all approvals
2024: Norway's Statkraft acquired Enerfin, then sold select assets
2025: Greenleaf buys it back with renewed commitment
🎯 Why This Project Is CRITICAL for Queensland's Energy Future
✅ Community-Backed Development
Unlike cancelled projects, Stony Creek has strong local support since day one. CEO Chris Righetti confirms the community welcomes responsible renewable development.
🏆 Only Fully-Approved Project in Portfolio
With Queensland's new government hitting pause on new wind and solar approvals, Stony Creek is Greenleaf's flagship opportunity – and potentially one of the last greenlit wind farms in the region.
💰 Economic Benefits for Regional Australia
Creates local jobs in construction and maintenance
Reduces energy costs for Queensland businesses
Attracts clean energy investment to rural communities
Supports Australia's $20+ billion renewable energy sector
⚠️ The Moonlight Range Controversy: What Went Wrong?
The Queensland LNP government cancelled the 450 MW Moonlight Range Wind Farm citing:
🗣️ Local community opposition
🔥 Bushfire risk concerns
❌ Consultation gaps
Industry reaction? Leaders called it "highly political" and "deeply disheiening" – especially as Australia needs to triple renewable energy capacity this decade.
📉 Policy Shift Impact
The new QLD energy roadmap now prioritizes:
⛽ Coal and gas power plants (controversial move)
🛑 No new wind or solar project approvals
✅ Focus only on already-approved developments
What this means: Projects like Stony Creek become even more valuable in meeting renewable energy targets.
📊 Queensland's Renewable Energy Pipeline (2025-2035)
Despite policy challenges, Queensland has 11.2 GW of wind and solar projects planned by 2035:
🌬️ Major Wind Farms in Development:
Project | Capacity | Status |
MacIntyre Wind Farm | 930 MW | Partially operational |
Clarke Creek Wind Farm | 420 MW | Under construction |
Wanbo Wind Project | 252 MW | Approved |
Stony Creek Wind Farm | 166 MW | Approved (Greenleaf) |
🏭 Corporate Renewable Commitments:
Rio Tinto: 3.5 GW planned for Gladstone operations
Federal Capacity Investment Scheme: 1.9 GW underwritten
