Windlab’s 1.4 GW Wongalee Wind Project Secures Commonwealth Environmental Approval in Queensland

Windlab’s Wongalee wind energy project in Queensland has secured approval under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), completing the project’s major government approvals pathway and supporting its progress towards financial close.

Located on Yirendali Country in the Flinders Shire, north-east of Hughenden and approximately 300 kilometres south-west of Townsville, Wongalee is being developed by Windlab under a Joint Development Agreement with Fortescue. The project is part of the North Queensland Super Hub and has the potential to generate up to 1.4 GW of wind energy.

The EPBC approval follows the project’s State Development Approval, meaning Wongalee now holds all major State and Commonwealth government approvals required for development.

Windlab Chief Development Officer Nathan Blundell said the project has undergone extensive environmental assessment, technical studies and stakeholder engagement over several years.

Development activities have included nine seasonal ecological field studies and more than 1,050 hours of environmental surveys conducted since 2021. Windlab has also engaged with local landholders, Traditional Owners, local authorities and the wider community throughout the development process.

Engagement with the Yirendali Traditional Owners has contributed to the project’s development and is supported by a Shared Benefits Agreement and Cultural Heritage Management Agreement signed in 2024.

Wongalee is the second project within the North Queensland Super Hub to secure all major State and Commonwealth approvals. The Prairie wind energy project received its EPBC approval in 2025.

Windlab has an established presence in the Hughenden region through the development, construction and operation of Kennedy Energy Park. Wongalee is expected to build on this regional renewable energy development and contribute to the expansion of clean energy generation in North West Queensland.

The project’s location provides access to the region’s wind resources and is positioned to benefit from CopperString, the transmission infrastructure planned to connect North West Queensland with the National Electricity Market.

Windlab said Wongalee has been designed to coexist with the region’s agricultural industry while delivering potential long-term benefits to local communities and supporting Queensland’s renewable energy development.