THE HON DAVID LITTLEPROUD MP
Leader of The Nationals, Shadow Agriculture Minister
Federal Member for Maranoa
9 March 2026
Tarong West Wind Farm needs reviewing
Leader of The Nationals and Member for Maranoa David Littleproud has raised serious concerns over the recent approval of the Tarong West Wind Farm project with the Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt.
Mr Littleproud said Minister Watt must explain the reasoning that led the Department to conclude the project could satisfy the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act’s environmental protection requirements, and how cumulative impacts in the Burrandowan district were considered as part of the approval process.
“Locals have raised serious concerns about the environmental implications of this development and the inconsistency in federal environmental protections,” Mr Littleproud said.
“Landholders report that underground water resources are limited and delicate. The proponent, RES, intends to source substantial volumes of groundwater during the three-year construction period. These aquifers ultimately contribute to the broader integrity of the Great Artesian Basin system, which is already under significant pressure.
“On top of that, there are impacts on flora and fauna, particularly, known koala habitats within the valleys across the project footprint.
“I have concerns the Tarong West Wind Farm is losing its social licence and so clarification is needed, about the potential impacts on groundwater systems, biodiversity, known koala habitats and the cumulative impact across the valleys.
“I am aware the local South Burnett community is anxious about the project. I am also concerned about the abhorrent hypocrisy in the Commonwealth’s approach to environmental regulation. The Albanese Labor Government has recently pursued amendments to the EPBC Act and associated policies that significantly expand Commonwealth oversight and restrict landholders’ ability to manage their land and regrowth.
“Yet at the same time, large-scale renewable energy projects appear able to obtain approvals.
“This is obviously all part of the Federal Labor Government’s 82 per cent renewables by 2030 target, at any expense.
“That means our food security is under threat and when supply goes down, prices go up, so families will pay for Labor’s ideology at the checkout. Regional Australia and our agriculture industry is being torn apart.”
The Tarong West Wind Farm is set to be located 30 kilometres west of Kingaroy, with plans for 97 wind turbines, making it one of the largest wind farms in Queensland.
