12 September 2025
Cubico Sustainable Investments is setting a new benchmark for supporting and strengthening regional Queensland communities with the launch of a Neighbour Benefit Scheme at the Wambo Wind Farm, a 50:50 joint venture between Cubico and Stanwell Corporation Limited.
With the first turbines from Stage 1 of the project now generating energy to the grid, Cubico and Stanwell are reaffirming their commitment to the local community by ensuring that not only participating landholders, but also near neighbours, share in the financial benefits of the wind farm.
The initiative will provide annual payments ranging from $7,500 to $37,500 to eligible neighbours during the operational phase of the project. The amount will depend on the number of operating turbines located near their property. In total, the scheme will deliver approximately $9 million in voluntary payments to neighbours over the life of the wind farm.
David Smith, Cubico’s Country Head for Australia, said the Neighbour Benefit Scheme reflects Cubico’s long-term approach to partnership and legacy-building in regional communities.
“This initiative is in addition to Wambo’s significant contributions to the local area through council rates, host landholder agreements, community benefit fund and local sponsorships. It recognises the surrounding community’s role in hosting this important infrastructure and ensures that our neighbours share in the financial benefits of the project.
“At Cubico, we believe in setting a higher standard for community engagement and social contribution, and this scheme is part of a broader legacy we are proud to build alongside our partner Stanwell.”
Eligible neighbours will also be offered support to access independent advice in respect of their participation in the scheme. Participation is entirely voluntary.
In addition to the Neighbour Benefit Scheme, Wambo Wind Farm continues to invest in the broader community. Up to $200,000 per year is available through the project’s Community Benefit Fund to support local groups and organisations during both the construction and operational phases. More than $30,000 is also invested annually in sponsorships for local events and initiatives that make the region a great place to live, work and play.
When fully operational, Wambo Wind Farm will provide approximately $5 million in direct financial contributions to the region each year.
Background
The value of the payment made to eligible neighbours each year will be calculated according to the number of operating turbines located within 3km of the residence, as follows:
- $7,500 per turbine for the first two turbines,
- $3,000 for each turbine thereafter up to six turbines, and
- $1,500 for each turbine after that (7+).
Where the eligible neighbour owns land only within 1.5km of an operating turbine (with no residence), they will be eligible for a flat fixed sum of $7,500 per year.
For example, an eligible neighbour with four operating turbines within 3km of their residence would be eligible for (2 x 7,500 + 2 x 3,000) = $21,000 per year.
About Wambo Wind Farm
Wambo Wind Farm is a renewable energy project located near Jandowae, at a site chosen for its excellent wind resources and strong grid connectivity.
The project is being developed as a 50:50 joint venture between Cubico Sustainable Investments, a leading global renewable energy investor, and Stanwell, a Queensland Government-owned electricity generator.
Once complete, the project’s 83 wind turbines will add more than 500 megawatts (MW) of clean energy to Queensland’s electricity system.
For more information, follow this link to the Wambo Wind Farm Website.
