The Queensland Government has given the nod for the construction of a $1 billion wind farm project at Clarke Creek, 150 kilometres north west of Rockhampton.
Once constructed, the 195-turbine Lacour Energy wind farm will be one of the largest in Australia, delivering power output of more than over 800 megawatts of electricity.
In announcing the development approval, Qld’s Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the project would generate approximately 350 jobs during construction.
“In addition to building the turbines, associated infrastructure will include substations, temporary workers’ accommodation, staff and operational facilities and powerlines,” Mr Dick said.
“This means jobs for the region over the project’s 36-month construction period and more clean energy that our State can tap into.
Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the new wind farm represents a big step toward reaching the State’s 50% renewable energy target by 2030.
“Queensland is focused on reaching its 50 per cent renewable energy target by 2030, with more than 20 projects currently either underway or financially committed, creating more than 3500 construction jobs across the state,” the Minister said.
Lacour Energy Director Mark Rayner said the company had worked closely with the State regulators to assess acoustic impacts of the wind farm as well as impacts on fauna and vegetation.”
“It is a unique renewable energy project which combines excellent wind and solar resources at a location directly adjacent to the backbone of the Powerlink 275 kV transmission network,” Mr Rayner continued.
“The wind farm development approval is a significant milestone for the project.”
“We look forward to completing the feasibility study by the end of the year so that construction can begin early next year.”
