The Queensland Government has announced a review after concerns were raised about the environmental impacts of the windfarm development.

The review of the Wind Farm Code (State Code 23) and its accompanying guidelines was aimed at building greater community and industry confidence in clean energy projects.

Planning Minister Steven Miles said clear and predictable regulatory frameworks were needed.

“We have listened to the community, and worked with other government agencies, local councils and stakeholders to establish the issues to be addressed in the review,” he said.

“Wind farms in Queensland already undergo a thorough assessment process.

“This review is designed to strengthen those protections for communities and the environment, while creating certainty and clarity for industry with clearer benchmarks for managing environmental and construction impacts.”

Agforce chief executive Michael Guerin said landowners were largely ignored by the review.

“The review’s stated aims are to better protect areas of high ecological and biodiversity value, reform acoustic criteria and highlight the rehabilitation requirements expected. The changes proposed require proponents to investigate the impact their construction will have on local workforces and accommodation.

He said the acoustic criteria put forward were inadequate.

“Proposed maximum noise levels from wind turbines allowed on a host property at nighttime, is greater than World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines. Concerning given the potential long-term health consequences of noise pollution including fatigue, headaches, elevated blood pressure and digestive disorders,” Guerin said.

“Given that we are aware of excessive noise complaints already at places such as both Mt Emerald and Coopers Gap Wind Farm with a court case still ongoing, this is extremely concerning.

“There is also little guidance and protection provided to landholders about the decommissioning of wind farms, alongside the expectation that the site be returned as much as possible to its original condition. Those rehabilitation costs would be up to $600,000 to decommission each wind turbine, an amount prohibitively expensive for most landholders. We have recommended to government that a decommissioning trust fund would be far more effective.

“The specific concerns of landholders who use helicopters to muster have also not been taken into account with new requirements to consult with Airservices Australia. In our submission we also detail how disruption to UHF, VHF and mobile devices by the electromagnetic waves is also not taken seriously enough.

“Ultimately what was most disappointing was that farmers and graziers were not even mentioned in the list of stakeholders. This is a grave oversight that indicates our legitimate needs and requirements to continue to sustain the wellbeing of the people, animals, and land we care for are being overlooked.

“The requirements of landholders need to be properly considered as it is arguably the agricultural industry that is most impacted by these developments.”

The Government said community consultation ran from in August providing all Queenslanders and interested stakeholders with the opportunity to have their say.

The department said it welcomed feedback from peak bodies such as AgForce and it is understood the organisation did provide a submission.

A department spokesperson saif the review would create greater transparency and clarity for proponents by setting out clearer benchmarks for managing environmental and construction impacts.

In addition to reviewing the Wind Farm Code, the Department is conducting a broader review of the planning framework to identify additional opportunities to facilitate achievement of the Government’s renewable energy targets.