The success of our projects relies on strong, long-term relationships, and the delivery of equitable benefits that make a difference in the lives of local people in regional and rural Australia.
In-depth public consultation for Bungaban kicked off in 2023 and is ongoing. Prior to this, we sought feedback from regional stakeholders to build an understanding of local priorities, while we validated the region’s renewable energy resource potential and completed the early technical work required to support confidence in the project’s feasibility.
Our focus is on collaborating with the people who know the region best to shape a responsible project design informed by community insight and support equitable benefits that matter to local people.
As we work through development and progress regulatory approvals, we will continue seek local insights and provide opportunities for feedback.
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 foundational infrastructure and access, and a skilled industrial workforce ready to support project construction.
During construction, Bungaban will create over 750 jobs and inject an estimated $500 million into the regional economy through local employment, supply and contracting opportunities.
Engaging early in the development phase gives us the opportunity to work with locals to understand interest and capacity within the region, how we can support local skills development and opportunities for local businesses.
What’s more, a landmark Power Purchase Agreement will see Bungaban supporting the sustainable future of central Queensland’s metals and advanced manufacturing industries, which have a key role to play in Australia’s low-carbon future and employee 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 need.
Initially we will run $50,000 Pilot Community Fund for sponsorships, donations and community partnerships. This process allows us to thank locals for ongoing feedback and advice during the development process and informs the design of a full-scale funding program.
An annual Community Benefit Fund will be launch once Bungaban is approved and will be available for the life of the project (30+ years).
Windlab is committed to leading-practice engagement, ensuring our host communities and key stakeholders are informed, can contribute and ultimately benefit from our critical renewable energy projects.
Windlab is a signatory to the Clean Energy Council’s Best Practice Charter for Renewable Energy Projects. The Charter provides a leading-practice framework for renewable energy companies to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure projects protect community, environmental and cultural values, and deliver the meaningful and sustainable regional development initiatives that make a difference in the lives of local people.
Windlab is also a member of the Re-Alliance (Australian Renewable Energy Alliance), an independent not-for-profit advocacy group working to secure an energy transition that delivers long-term benefits and prosperity to the regions.