QLD gives $1B wind farm green light

The Queensland Government has provided development approval for the $1 billion Lacour Energy wind farm in Clarke Creek, Central Queensland.

The approval covers up to 195 wind turbines on the project, 150 kilometres north west of Rockhampton.

Director of Lacour Energy Mark Rayner said the Clarke Creek wind farm would have a power output of more than over 800 megawatts of electricity.

“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 said.

Queensland Minister for State Development Cameron Dick said the project would involve 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.

Queensland Energy Minister Dr. Anthony Lynham said the new wind farm was part of Queensland’s $20 billion pipeline of energy projects – with projects worth almost $4.5 billion underway or financially committed.

“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.”

Once constructed, the wind farm will be one of the largest in Australia, according to the Queensland Government.

Mr. Rayner said Lacour Energy looks forward to completing the feasibility study by the end of the year so that construction can begin in early 2019.