It follows public concern over the impact wind farm developments have had on surrounding vegetation as well as noise levels and visual amenity.

Windlab’s Upper Burdekin wind farm significantly scaled back its project after environmental concerns and Ark Energy has faced criticism over its Chalumbin wind farm, which has also been scaled back.

Planning Minister Steven Miles said a review of the requirements for wind farm developments was underway and would be aimed at ensuring the projects were designed operated to minimise adverse impacts in the environment, visual amenity, air services, transport networks and noise levels.

He said the code would be upgraded to better protect high ecological and biodiversity value and protect the Great Barrier Reef from the impacts of construction.

The noise impacts, or acoustic criteria, would be brought in line with best practice and developers would also have to investigate the impact of construction on local workforces and accommodation.

Miles said Queensland wind farms were helping power the state’s transformation.

“Queensland has some of the world’s best wind resources that can be harnessed to power hundreds of thousands of homes with cleaner and cheaper energy,” he said.

“To support this progress, we need clear and predictable regulatory frameworks.”

He said wind farms already went through assessments but the review would strengthen protections for communities and the environment.

The Queensland Conservation Councul said it had been calling for planning reforms for some time and it pleased that the Government has announced a  review.

QCC energy strategist Clare Silcock said the community needed to see biodiversity protected, but was concerned that community consultation was left off the list of objectives.

“Better community engagement needs to be written into the planning frameworks so that all projects can deliver long term benefits for Queenslanders.” Silcock said.

“We also call on the Government to act on the broader planning review flagged in the Energy and Jobs Plan. We need to streamline the process for large-scale solar so that there is a consistent and comprehensive assessment for developments to make sure solar also delivers for nature and communities.”