Wind farm to generate power and jobs for the Far North

Far North Queensland residents are set to benefit from a wind farm project for up to 29 turbines as part of Neoen’s planned green power hub at Kaban 80km south west of Cairns.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick announced that the State had provided development approval for the wind farm project, which would bring substantial investment to the region and is expected to create around 150 jobs during construction.

“The proposed development at Kaban is for a wind farm for up to 29 turbines and additional infrastructure, including a substation and battery storage facility,” Mr Dick said.

“This means jobs for the region over the 12-month estimated construction period and more clean energy for the region to tap into.

“The green power hub, which will incorporate the wind farm, is a $300 million project, planned to operate for at least 30 years and generate enough power to supply 57,000 homes.

“The Queensland Government welcomes private sector investment of this kind in support of the state’s renewable energy policy.”

Minister for Energy Anthony Lynham said the new wind farm would complement more than two dozen large-scale projects that were currently committed or under construction throughout Queensland, including the recently announced $200 million Lakeland wind farm, also in the Far North.

“When complete, these projects will more than double Queensland’s renewable energy output and produce enough electricity to power close to one million homes,” Dr Lynham said

“Our 50 per cent renewable energy generation target by 2030 has boosted the level of renewable energy investment, bringing significant projects to regions right across the state.

“This is yet another project to join our $4.3 billion pipeline of renewable energy projects underway or financially committed,” he said.

Minister Dick said each turbine would have an electrical output of up to 5.5 megawatts (MW).  It was expected that the total generation capacity would be up to 160 MW. The turbines would have a maximum height of 240 metres.

“Neoen worked closely with the department to assess acoustic impacts on nearby houses, impacts on fauna, native vegetation clearing and traffic impacts,” Mr Dick said.

“Conditions are recommended to be imposed on the decision that will mitigate and manage acoustic, flora and fauna and traffic impacts.

“The Queensland Government looks forward to bringing more job-creating, economy-boosting projects to the Far North,” he said.

Media contacts: Minister Dick’s office: Cath Palmer 0424 823 424

Minister Lynham’s office: Jan Martin 0439 341 314