Q. How much noise do wind turbines make?  A. Wind turbines do not make a lot of noise. 

The most common sound associated with wind turbines comes from the movement of the blades through the air, like a ‘whooshing’ or ‘swishing’ sound. This noise is quiet compared to many everyday sounds. 

Occasionally turbines will make a mechanical noise which comes from the movement of internal components like the gearbox; modern turbines are designed to minimise this kind of noise though, so it is not usually very noticeable. 

Several factors affect how loud wind turbines may seem:

• Distance from the turbine: Noise decreases significantly with distance. 

• Wind speed and direction: Higher wind speeds can increase blade noise but also mask it with background wind sounds.

• Terrain and vegetation: Hills, trees, and buildings can block or absorb sound. 

• Weather conditions: Temperature and humidity can affect how sound travels.

• Turbine design and maintenance: Newer models are quieter, and regular maintenance helps reduce mechanical noise. 

Wambo Wind Farm, like all wind farms in Queensland, is required to demonstrate to the Queensland Government planning department that noise levels at neighbouring locations will meet the strict noise limits established under state planning guidelines. 

During operation, noise from the wind farm at night is not permitted to exceed 45 dB for host lots, or 35 dB for non-host lots. 

During the day, noise from the wind farm at non-host lots must not exceed 37 dB (or the background noise level plus 5 dB whichever is the greater). 

(For comparison, whispering is approximately 30 dB and a domestic air conditioner can produce up to 60 dB). 

When the wind farm is operating, specialist technical consultants will measure noise levels at various locations at certain intervals to ensure the noise requirements are being adhered to. 

The project is legally required to implement measures to keep noise levels within the approved limits, which may include making adjustments to how the turbines are operated at certain times or in certain conditions.