Green light given to $300m solar farm in Western Downs QLD

The Western Downs Regional Council has given Luminous Energy’s $300 million solar project the go-ahead after a seven-week review process.

The 300-megawatt Columboola Solar Farm will be located between Miles and Chinchilla in Queensland – around Ryalls and Kerwicks Roads – and it going to be one of the largest solar farms in Australia. The massive solar farm will cover 540 hectares of land and will be built in three stages, taking about 18 months to complete construction.

“It’s a massive project, not only in terms of economic benefit and local job creation but also in the flow-on business development opportunities for associated renewable energy industries.

“We’re serious about being known as the energy capital of Australia, and we’re open business,” said Western Downs Regional Council spokesman Andrew Smith.

About 400 jobs will be supported during the construction of the solar farm, with 5 ongoing operational positions once the farm is completed. According to Mayor Paul McVeigh, local businesses – including trade-persons, contractors, plant and equipment hire, and even accommodations – will be utilised for this project.

“With so many projects being approved it will do wonders for the Western Downs, not only for the environment but also for the economy.

“It will have a positive impact while it is being built and well into the future,” Mayor McVeigh said.

When operational, the solar farm will be able to generate enough electricity to power 110,000 homes annually.

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Source: PV Magazine, The Chronicle AU, Luminous Energy and Western Downs Regional Council