Green light for $1 billion Central Queensland wind farm

Queensland is hosting wind farms at a rate of knots, with the Palaszczuk Government providing development approval for up to 195 wind turbines at Clarke Creek, 150 kilometres north west of Rockhampton.

Minister for State Development Cameron Dick said the $1 billion Lacour Energy wind farm 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.

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.

“And as we progress to a renewable future, the Palaszczuk Government continues to deliver reliable supply and our two-year guarantee that electricity prices will not rise above inflation.” 

“Lacour Energy has worked closely with the department to assess acoustic impacts of the wind farm as well as impacts on fauna and vegetation,” he said.

“The Queensland Government looks forward to bringing more job-creating, economy-boosting projects to central Queensland.” 

Once constructed, the wind farm will be one of the largest in Australia

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. 

“The wind farm development approval is a significant milestone for the project.

“We look forward to completing the feasibility study by the end of the year so that construction can begin early next year,” he said.

Media contact: Joe Begley 0447 320 039