Windlab faced significant pressure to advance two strategically critical wind farm developments in north Queensland, Upper Burdekin and Prairie Wind Farms, as part of its early industrial-scale renewable energy pipeline. The projects needed to balance diverse stakeholder interests across host communities and the wider region, while responding quickly to development timelines.
The challenge was to establish a clear, risk-informed engagement approach that demonstrated transparency, built trust, and could be implemented by non-specialist staff, ensuring consistent and meaningful consultation outcomes without creating unnecessary complexity.
Struber deployed a targeted, research-driven approach, drawing on our stakeholder engagement expertise and regional experience in north Queensland. We conducted extensive stakeholder mapping and analysis, applying the Golden Stakeholder consultation process to ensure all critical voices were considered.
We simplified traditional Communications and Engagement plans into an accessible, actionable framework, including hyperlinked tools such as stakeholder register, interactive map, key messages and FAQs, and an implementation plan. Two project websites were developed on a low-code CMS to ensure accessibility in areas with low internet connectivity and easy ongoing management. Community information sessions were embedded within existing local events, creating informal spaces for stakeholders to provide feedback and participate actively, enhancing engagement reach while reducing barriers to consultation.
Struber delivered practical, risk-informed engagement tools, strategies, and digital assets that could be immediately implemented by Windlab. Our extensive research and targeted approach ensured regional stakeholder concerns were addressed and provided a clear, structured method for consistent consultation across both projects.
The engagement events reached key community members, with 40 participants at Upper Burdekin and 100 at Prairie Wind Farm. The streamlined processes, accessible digital platforms, and embedded sessions created a replicable model for future developments, leaving Windlab with a sustainable framework for ongoing stakeholder engagement in regional renewable energy projects.