Map to make investing a breeze

The Bligh Government will develop a specialised map of Queensland to lead investors towards the best wind farm sites, Sustainability Minister Andrew McNamara said today.

The green power initiative will also be used to identify areas suitable for wind farms from conflicting future development, similar to a minerals province.

The map will identify the best high-wind areas, detailing their proximity to the power grid. State Land also will be identified, potentially speeding up the acquisition process for investors.

"We're telling companies who want to invest in renewable energy that Queensland's well and truly open for business," Mr McNamara said.

"We have to fire the starter's gun now – making sure Queensland gets a slice of growing renewable energy investments is a key part of transition to a low-carbon economy."

"This map will allow us to fully appreciate the extent of what’s on offer. “

Mr McNamara said the national 20% mandatory renewable energy target will result in increased investment in renewable energy.

The move comes as the Bligh Government calls for expressions of interest to develop a wind farm at Archer Point, south of Cooktown.

"Archer Point is one of the state's premium wind sites and we've seized this opportunity to develop it," Mr McNamara said.

"It is anticipated it can provide up to 300 MW of zero-emission energy to the national grid and generate clean power for far north Queensland."

This project is in addition to recent announcements by Investec who are planning to build what may be the largest wind farm in the Southern Hemisphere at Coopers Gap in the South Burnett, between Dalby and Kingaroy.

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