The Queensland Government has given development approval to an 800MW wind farm at Clarke Creek, approximately 150 kilometres north west of Rockhampton and 150 kilometres south of Mackay. The massive wind farm is set to become Australia’s largest.
The $1 billion project will comprise of 195 wind turbines and it is going to be developed by Lacour Energy. Construction of the wind farm is expected to support up to 350 jobs.
“In addition to building the turbines, associated infrastructure will include substations, temporary workers’ accommodation, staff and operational facilities and powerlines.
“This means jobs for the region over the project’s 36-month construction period and more clean energy that our State can tap into,” Minister for State Development Cameron Dick said.
According to Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham, this large-scale wind farm is part of the State’s $20 billion energy projects pipeline, with $4.5 billion worth of projects that are either 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 3,500 construction jobs across the state,” Dr Lynham said.
Lacour is also planning to build a 400MW solar farm alongside the wind farm as well as a battery storage. The solar farm has already been given planning approval.
“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,” Lacour Energy Director Mark Rayner said.
Lacour Energy is currently undertaking the feasibility study on the project - which is expected to be completed by the end of the year - and construction is projected to commence by early 2019.
The entire development location is in close proximity to an existing main road from Marlborough to Sarina, and it extends across the properties of eight local families. The wind farm is going to be built on the mountain range, while the solar farm is going to be on lower ground near the Marlborough-Sarina Road.
Central Queensland businesses and residents are encouraged to register their interests if they want to get involved with the development of the Clarke Creek wind and solar farms.
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Source: Queensland Government, The Guardian, Renew Economy, Clarke Creek Wind and Solar