The Queensland Government has declared the Kidston Wind Farm, the final stage of the Kidston Clean Energy Hub, as a prescribed project, ensuring its completion would generate 200 construction jobs.
Acting Premier Steven Miles stated that when completed, the Kidston Clean Energy Hub will increase the resilience of North Queensland’s energy infrastructure.
“The Clean energy hub will provide large-scale solar, pumped hydro storage and wind energy at a single location,” Acting Premier Steven Miles said.
According to Acting Premier Steven Miles, when operational, the centre will help Queensland reach its renewable energy goal of 70 per cent by 2032 and 80 per cent by 2035, as stated in the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.
“It will enable generation, storage and dispatch of renewable energy on demand during peak periods, strengthening the reliability of the energy grid for North Queensland communities,” he added.
Acting Premier Miles said around 200 construction jobs are anticipated to be generated by the Kidston Wind Farm project, along with 10 ongoing permanent jobs.
Powerlink is working with over 20 regional suppliers to provide the transmission line that will line the Clean Energy Hub to the national power grid.
Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing Glenn Butcher said TEi Services was one of the local suppliers involved in the project.
Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper stated that the new transmission line would be constructed utilising many Queensland-sourced materials.
“Local Townsville suppliers are providing important materials such as tubular steel structures, foundation reinforcement, vehicle hire and site office facilities to complete this project,” Harper said.
Harper added that people in Townsville and North Queensland have excellent chances to acquire good jobs through the Kidston project and Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.
Minister for Resources and Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said North Queensland would benefit from solar, wind, and pumped storage hydropower generated by the project.
“Townsville and North Queensland are big winners in Queensland’s Energy and Jobs Plan, lining the region up to become a renewable energy powerhouse,” Minister Stewart stated.
Minister Stewart added, “We’re committed to engaging local North Queensland businesses and sourcing local materials where possible to create jobs, support industry and create local supply chains.”
TEi Services General Manager Richard Parker stated that his 60-person team is constantly adopting new technologies and is proud to add 50 years of knowledge to the project.
“We are proud to be playing an important role in this project and the Queensland Government Energy and Jobs Plan, representing the North Queensland business community,” Parker added.
Powerlink CEO Paul Simshauser expressed his excitement that local businesses were supporting the $295 million project and assisting with on-the-ground work.
“Our project team has been working hard, in partnership with Principal Contractor UGL, to maximise local employment and procurement opportunities wherever possible for Powerlink’s program of works,” Simshauser said.
Simshauser stated North Queensland businesses’ experience and capabilities would provide contracts worth roughly $14 million and support 400 local jobs, which is a crucial goal for Powerlink.
Genex Power CEO James Harding welcomed Kidston Wind Farm’s designation as a prescribed project.
“Genex knows how important the Kidston Wind Farm will be for the people of North Queensland, which is why we requested it be declared a prescribed project,” Harding said.
Harding stated that it is economically and socially significant for the region and will help Queensland meet its renewable energy ambitions.
“This builds on the 50 megawatt Kidston Solar Farm in operation, and our flagship project, the 250 megawatt pumped hydro storage facility under construction,” Harding added.
