AS SEEN IN WESTERN DOWNS LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE - MAY 2025

The Western Downs region has long been celebrated for its agricultural richness with vast expanses dedicated to cattle grazing, grain production and natural resources such as coal and gas. This agricultural heritage has been the backbone of the local economy, providing livelihoods for generations of families and contributing significantly to the Queensland economy.

Today, the Western Downs region is recognised as one of Queensland’s key energy hubs with an established gas industry, one of the state’s largest coal-fired power stations and enviable conditions for renewable energy production, boasting billions of dollars of projects in the pipeline. This increased investment and economic expansion is providing a critical boost to employment and the local economy ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for its communities.

One of these projects is Wambo Wind Farm which first broke ground two years ago, further cementing the role of Western Downs as Queensland’s energy capital.

Located at Diamondy, the project recently achieved a major milestone with the first of its turbines installed. In total the Wambo projects will comprise of 83 wind turbines that are being built across two stages which will generate 500 MW, the equivalent of powering more than 300,000 homes, a population nearly ten times the size of the Western Downs.

The project is a joint venture between Cubico Sustainable Investments, a major global player in the renewable energy sector and Stanwell Corporation, a Queensland Government-owned electricity generator. The Wambo Wind Farm will operate for over 25 years and both companies place value on building strong roots and relationships with local communities and key stakeholders.

Wambo Wind Farm is an active sponsor of local sporting, cultural and community events throughout Jandowae, Bell and surrounding townships, having supported nearly 30 local events since commencing construction. And its flagship Community Benefit Fund has already made a lasting impact for over a dozen local organisations and groups.

Each year the fund provides $200,000 in grants for community programs, initiatives and projects that promote the fund’s objectives of ‘sustainable, connected, healthy and resilient communities.’ A Community Advisory Panel of active community members along with representatives of the wind farm owners helps select the projects to support in each funding round.

From the Jandowae Golf Club to the Bell Bunya Community Association, the Jandowae Early Learning Centre and Taralga Retirement Village - the fund has partnered with more than 30 projects and initiatives over the past two years.

The Jandowae Golf Club recently utilised funding to install solar panels on the clubhouse roof. The energy generated there will support the club’s water pump and irrigation systems, saving costs on energy bills. Similarly, support from the fund allowed the South Burnett First Aid Volunteers to purchase a portable solar powered station to help power their equipment. This group provides first aid services at events and community gatherings across the region, and the switch to solar power allows them to be ready to assist anywhere, anytime - even in remote locations.

For Western Downs, the Wambo Wind Farm is a great example of the energy projects both powering our regional economy and enriching the liveability of our towns.

Spotlight: Community projects supported by Wambo Wind Farm include -

Be a hear-o: hearing screening for Jandowae State School

The “I’m a Hear-o" initiative, launched by Jandowae State School in partnership with the Wambo Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund in November 2024, saw every child at Jandowae State School receive a free hearing test and assessment. Each student was provided with an individual report to help give them every chance of success in their educational outcomes.

We ride by night: Bell Show Society’s Night Rodeo

Wambo Wind Farm sponsored Bell’s ‘Bulls and Broncs’ night rodeo - a highly anticipated, family friendly event with exciting rodeo action, market stalls, local food vendors and live entertainment. Funds raised during the night go back to Bell State School, supporting students to attend excursions throughout the year and alleviate the pressure on parents.

Access all areas: infrastructure improvements at Jandowae Bowls Club

Jandowae Bowls Club secured funding in 2024 to attach shade awnings and to build an accessibility ramp and railings at the clubhouse entrance to improve the functionality and comfort of the club for members and patrons.

Staying mobile: accessible van for Taralga Retirement Village

Taralga Retirement Village is a not-for-profit aged care provider offering community housing for the over 55’s along with high care nursing, including dementia and palliative care. With support from Wambo Wind Farm and Powerlink, Taralga was able to purchase a purpose-built accessible van to keep residents and carers safe and comfortable when travelling.