The Albanese Government has approved the Gawara Baya Wind Farm, a significant renewable energy project in North Queensland. 

The 400-megawatt wind farm, located 65km southwest of Ingham, will feature 69 wind turbines and is expected to generate enough energy to power 240,000 Queensland homes. The Gawara Baya Wind Farm is anticipated to boost wind energy generation in the National Electricity Market by 5.2 per cent and overall renewable energy production by 1.8 per cent. 

The project is projected to cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 1.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent annually, equivalent to removing around 375,000 cars from the roads each year.

The construction of the wind farm will create up to 300 direct jobs, with an additional 20 ongoing operational positions. The project will also inject over $200 million into the local economy.

The approval of the Gawara Baya Wind Farm includes stringent conditions aimed at protecting local wildlife, particularly the Sharman’s Rock-Wallaby and northern Greater Glider. 

These conditions cover clearance limits, construction hours, and the submission of comprehensive environmental management plans to mitigate potential impacts on the environment.

The wind farm's approval has drawn criticism from environmental groups concerned about the project's impact on local habitats. 

Jon Dee, founder of Planet Ark, condemned the decision, stating, “[Tanya Plibersek] is allowing significant destruction of koala habitat. Yet she doesn’t mention koalas once in her media release boasting of the approval.”

Several environmental groups have criticised the destruction of wildlife habitat in pursuit of green energy, including proposing a moratorium on such development until stricter, permanent provisions can be imposed on future projects.