Squadron Energy shows community initiative through Best Practice Charter Report
A myriad of significant community programs and local initiatives supported by Squadron Energy have been featured in the latest Best Practice
7 November 2025
Our projects
Planning
Local government areas
647k
Expected homes powered
553k
Expected tonnes of emissions avoided
1GW
Expected capacity
A myriad of significant community programs and local initiatives supported by Squadron Energy have been featured in the latest Best Practice
We continue to refine the Pikedale Wind Farm project in response to community feedback, environmental studies, civil and electrical design
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As we continue on our mission to lead Australia’s clean energy transition, we look back on some of our key
Step 1
Project identification and site selection
Identification and site selection is based on an analysis of opportunities and constraints including (but not limited to): distance to the electricity grid, wind resource and population density of the surrounding community. Our team then undertake a number of site visits and consultation with landowners in the area.
Project identification and site selection
Step 2
Project feasibility and community engagement
Site-specific investigations are undertaken to assess the impacts and opportunities of the project and feedback is sought from the local community.
Project feasibility and community engagement
Step 3
Primary approvals
A development application is made through the State Assessment and Referral Agency for approval under the State Planning Act 2016. Further environmental assessment may be required under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, which includes an opportunity for public comment.
Primary approvals
Step 4
Assessment and development consent
The project documents are assessed by the relevant government authorities. If determined, a development permit is granted at the state level with a range of conditions specific to the project, while at a Commonwealth level, numerous management plans need to be prepared and approved, and conditions such as those relating to disturbance limits must be met.
Assessment and development consent
Step 5
Post approval, contracting and financing
A lead contractor(s) to build the project is appointed and all pre-construction approvals and consents are finalised. During this phase, the lead contractor(s) is provided with a list of local businesses that have registered their interest and capabilities through the project website.
Post approval, contracting and financing
Step 6
Procurement
During this phase our lead contractor(s) seek tenders and engage contractors and suppliers to undertake the scope of the works. Orders are then placed for major components such as the wind turbines.
Procurement
Step 7
Early works and design
Initial site activities commence, such as minor clearing and provision of access roads along with establishing a site construction compound. Off-site detailed design works commences in parallel.
Early works and design
Step 8
Major civil works
During this phase of the construction the bulk of the civil works takes place. This includes the construction of new internal access roads, excavation and construction of the turbine foundations, installation of the internal electrical reticulation system, construction of the high voltage substation and main transmission line network.
Major civil works
Step 9
Wind turbine erection
This is where the visual aspect of the wind farm starts to emerge, with large cranes lifting the tower sections, nacelle, hub and blades into place.
Wind turbine erection
Step 10
Commissioning
In order to export power to the grid, each turbine is required to undergo several performance tests. It is during this stage that you will start to see turbines spinning and ultimately the whole of the wind farm complete.
Commissioning
Step 11
Operations
The project is operating in accordance with relevant approval conditions and management plans. Compliance with conditions of approval and management plans is monitored as required throughout the life of the project.
Operations
Step 12
Decommissioning
The design life of the wind turbines will be at least 30 years. At the end of their useful life, the wind turbines and electrical equipment will be either replaced and the wind farm repowered, or the project will be decommissioned, and the site returned to its original use at the expense of the project.
Decommissioning
The Queensland Government has identified the Southern Downs region as a key area for the development of a Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) within the Southern Queensland Region. This initiative aims to harness the region's abundant renewable energy resources by coordinating the development of new grid infrastructure to connect multiple renewable energy generators within the area.
The establishment of the Southern Downs REZ is expected to significantly boost the region's renewable electricity generation capacity, providing affordable and sustainable power for Queensland households and businesses. Additionally, this initiative will play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions from the electricity sector and fostering economic growth by creating numerous job opportunities and attracting substantial investment to the region.
For more information on the Southern Downs REZ, including an indicative location, visit the Queensland Renewable Energy Zone Roadmap.
The wellbeing of the community is a core component of our work. Our approach to engaging with the local community is both genuine and lasting.
We develop, operate, and own our renewable energy projects. This gives us unrivalled experience through the entire project life and provides us with a deep-founded respect for people, communities and the environment in which we operate. We work together with communities on opportunities for our projects to enhance the economic and social development of the region.
We welcome your contact and feedback should you have any questions or concerns about the proposed Pikedale Wind Farm.
We share the benefits of our projects by supporting communities over the long term. We do this through a range of opportunities such as community benefits funds, voluntary planning agreements, community sponsorship and grant initiatives.
We recognise that each community is different, and we aim to tailor benefits at each project and make positive lasting contribution to each region.
Each of our projects has a community sponsorship program, which provides funds or in-kind support to community organisations and events in the local project area.
Key areas for the program include:
• Education and training initiatives
• Community development programs
• Health and wellbeing
• Environmental initiatives
Applications are open for community sponsorship. Please contact us using the details below for more information about Pikedale Wind Farm community sponsorship opportunities. Download and complete the Community Sponsorship Application and forward with any relevant documentation to info@squadronenergy.com.
Alternatively, you can complete and submit the form online via the link below.
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April 2025 - Community Newsletter
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