On 18 March 2025, the Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Industrial Relations, issued a proposed call in notice pursuant to section 102(2) of the Planning Act 2016 (Qld).
This means the Deputy Premier is giving notice that he is “… proposing to call in and assess and decide a development application …” with respect to the wind farm development project known as Middle Creek Energy Hub.
The Middle Creek Energy Hub is approximately 10 kms east of Wandoan in Queensland. The project involves up to 110 wind turbines, a battery energy storage system and ancillary infrastructure (e.g. substation), and is presently undergoing the relevant assessment process for the necessary approvals required from both Queensland and Commonwealth Governments.
If you are interested in the Queensland Government’s assessment of the development applications made for this project, documentation is available from the State Assessment and Referral Agency (“SARA“) website using the following Application reference 2412-440010 SDA.
Pursuant to section 91 of the Planning Act 2016 (Qld), the power to issue a proposed call in notice only arises if the matter involves, or is likely to involve, a State interest.
Schedule 2 of the Planning Act 2016 (Qld) defines a State interest means
“… an interest that the Minister considers—
(a) affects an economic or environmental interest of the State or a part of the State; or
(b) affects the interest of ensuring this Act’s purpose is achieved.”
The proposed call in notice asks for written representations to be made to the Deputy Premier by no later than 5.00 pm on 19 May 2025 about the proposed exercise of his power under the Planning Act 2016 (Qld) to call in the development application, and specifically about:
- “whether or not the proposed development involves a state interest
- whether or not [the Deputy Premier] should exercise [his] powers to call in the development application
- any matter stated in this proposed call in notice.”
This means community members, local governments, and other stakeholders are entitled to lodge properly made submissions.
Within 20 business days from 19 May 2025, if the Deputy Premier decides to call in the development application made by the proponent of the Middle Creek Energy Hub project, then the Deputy Premier has the power to give a call in notice under section 103 of the Planning Act 2016 (Qld).
The effect of the call in notice issued, is stated in section 104 of the Planning Act 2016 (Qld), and the Deputy Premier may determine the called in development application under section 105 of the Planning Act 2016 (Qld).
Please get in touch with our team if you would like more information or assistance in preparing your written representations with respected to the proposed call in notice.
