Why do we need to build renewable energy? Why do we need to protect nature? Why do we have a conflict in Queensland when we have so much land? How much nature is threatened? How does this compare to Queensland clearing? What is the total land required for the transition? Can't we build distributed energy? What can we do to build large-scale energy better? What planning regulations do we need to reform?

How much nature is threatened?

Answer

There are nearly 11 GW of wind farm projects going through Federal Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act approval in Queensland. These cumulatively require more than 16,000 hectares of vegetation to be cleared. There are 12 nationally listed threatened species which stand to lose more than 1,000 hectares of habitat, including some iconic species such as:

  • Nearly 11,000 hectares of koala habitat
  • 5,500 hectares of northern and greater glider habitat
  • Significant impact on critically endangered species such as the cycas megacarpa in Central Queensland and magnificent broodfrog in FNQ

The Queensland Government is proposing to build 22 GW of projects by 2035 in the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan. If projects proceed in similar areas, this could need 32,000 hectares cleared.