The success of our projects relies on strong, long-term relationships and delivering equitable benefits that make a difference in the lives of local people in regional and rural Queensland.
We collaborate with those who know the region best to shape an informed project design and support equitable benefits that matter to local people. In-depth public consultation for Bungaban began in 2023. Before this, we started engaging with regional stakeholders, as early as 2020, to understand local priorities and validate the region’s renewable energy potential.
We have engaged consistently and respectfully with local landholders and communities, arranging nearly 60 in-person sessions with local councils, regional interest groups, and Traditional Owners, and have held nine community information sessions between November 2023 and October 2024. These engagements are ongoing and growing by the day.
As we progress through development and regulatory approvals, we will continue to seek local insights and provide opportunities for feedback. Our engagement is framed through a deep understanding of the local community's lived experience and insights gained from our two decades in the industry, ensuring that the community's views and input are considered and actioned where appropriate.
Bungaban is located on the traditional lands of the Iman and Auburn Hawkwood Peoples.
Windlab supports opportunities for Traditional Owners to participate in the development of our projects, and demonstrate respect for First Nations culture, knowledge and agency in everything we do. In this way, Windlab aims to support First Nations Australians to shape the direction of renewable energy developments on Country and across Australia.
Our focus is to ensure open and transparent consultation, protection of Cultural Heritage and provide equitable opportunities that acknowledge the region’s First Nations histories and connections to Country.
The clean energy transition is a priority focus for all levels of government in Australia. We see an enormous opportunity for the ‘Renewable Generation’ to empower First Nations Peoples through employment, procurement, and business engagement in the sector.
The Western Downs and Banana Shire regions are ideally positioned to benefit from the renewable energy transition, with high-value renewable energy resources, land-use compatibility, good infrastructure, and a skilled workforce ready to support project construction.
At its peak, Bungaban will create over 750 jobs and inject over $500 million into the local economy through local employment, supply, and contracting opportunities. Early engagement helps us understand local interest and capacity, support skills development, and identify business opportunities.
Transport networks are a key facilitator of economic growth for the region, and Windlab is exploring opportunities to boost regional development through potential road upgrades.
A landmark Power Purchase Agreement will support the sustainable future of central Queensland’s metals industry, which play a key role in Australia’s low-carbon future and employ thousands of people in regional communities across the state.
Contact us to register your early interest in employment, trade or supply opportunities.
Windlab aims to leave a positive legacy in the region by supporting sustainable development initiatives that align with stakeholder and community needs.
We have launched a voluntary benefit-sharing framework for Bungaban, informed by ongoing feedback and tailored specifically to the needs of our host communities.
Community Benefit Fund:
Good Neighbours Shared Benefit Program:
Windlab strives for excellence in proactive and detailed community engagement. Our approach aligns with the International Association for Public Participation Public Participation Spectrum, the Clean Energy Council (CEC) Best Practice Charter for Renewable Energy Projects, and the Queensland Renewable Energy Council’s co-designed Draft Developer and Investor Toolkit for Leading Practice Landholder and Community Engagement.
As a signatory to the CEC’s Best Practice Charter, Windlab ensures that our renewable energy projects protect community, environmental, and cultural values. We are committed to informing, involving, and benefiting our host communities and key stakeholders. Additionally, as a patron of the Re-Alliance (Australian Renewable Energy Alliance), we advocate for an energy transition that delivers long-term benefits and prosperity to regional areas.