Industry News, News, Queensland

Queensland approves $128M wind farm

A $128 million wind farm has been approved by the Queensland Government, creating 100 new jobs for regional workers.

Located in the South Burnett Regional Council area, the wind farm is expected to be operational by next year and produce 64 megawatts of power.

It will be the second wind farm in operation in the area following the approval of Coopers Gap in 2017, one of the largest wind farms by capacity in Australia. The project will include 16 new turbines, coupled with the 123 turbines in Coopers gap.

State Development and Infrastructure Minister, Cameron Dick, said the Queensland Government is committed to supporting investment in regional Queensland and renewable energy projects.

“During construction 100 new jobs will be created and a there will be a further five ongoing jobs once the wind farm is operational,” Dick said.

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“It’s a huge jobs boost for the area and will help us achieve our renewable energy target.”

“Wind farms don’t just provide an economic boost for the state, the environmental benefits are equally important.”

Energy Minister, Anthony Lynham, said the project added to the state’s renewable projects, placing further downward pressure on electricity prices and taking us closer to its renewables target of 50 per cent by 2030.

“Queensland’s renewable revolution is full steam ahead and we continue to show the way for the rest of the nation,” Lynham said.

“This project is one part of over $1.6 billion worth of renewable energy investment underway or recently operating in the Darling Downs and South West regions, creating more than 1000 jobs in construction and 860 megawatts of renewable generation capacity.”

A spokesperson for Australian Energy Wind Farm said construction would commence as early as March 2020.

“Once constructed the wind farm is expected to generate enough energy to power the equivalent of around 35,000 homes and will reduce carbon dioxide output by an estimated 150,000 tonnes each year,” she said.

“Wind farm technology has significantly advanced during recent years and the 16 turbines on site will each produce between 4-5.5 megawatts of energy.

“Before operations commence, we will be upgrading local roads leading to the site and delivering the associated infrastructure such as a substation.”

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