Wind farms generating jobs

Queensland’s southern renewable energy zone has taken a major step forward with the Palaszczuk Government announcing $192.5 million for the Wambo wind farm near Dalby set to deliver more than 200 jobs and 252 megawatts of cheaper, cleaner energy.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Queensland Government was ready to step up with $192.5 million for the Wambo Wind Farm from the $2 billion Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund.

“Investing in renewables provides cheaper and cleaner energy,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“It powers more jobs, it creates more industries and it supercharges our resources sector with the demand for new minerals.

“This is part of our commitment to achieving 50 per cent of our energy needs from renewable sources by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050.

“Our Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund has done exactly as its name suggests – it’s delivering jobs for Queenslanders.”

Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said this was a smart investment decision for the state. 

“Access to affordable, reliable energy will underpin Queensland’s economic recovery from COVID 19,” he said.

“We’re providing Queensland businesses with the certainty they need that cheaper, cleaner renewable energy will be available as they expand and grow.”

Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said the Buy Queensland procurement approach would ensure Wambo provides decent, secure jobs for Queenslanders.

“Queenslanders, through our publicly owned energy company Stanwell, will own 50 per cent of the 252-megawatt wind farm,” Mr de Brenni said.

“Across Queensland’s Renewable Energy Zones we are ensuring that communities are at the forefront of planning, giving locals more say on renewable energy developments.

“Progression of our projects will be conditioned on accessing local supply chains, employing locals, including apprentices and trainees.

“They’ll work with local business, supporting indigenous employment.

“But critically, these projects will start ratcheting Queensland towards its 50 per cent Renewable Energy Target.

“The largest employers on the planet are demanding emissions-free energy and that’s what the Palaszczuk Government will deliver because we understand that diversifying our energy system brings those employers to our state and that equals more jobs for Queenslanders.”

Mr de Brenni said work was progressing on Queensland’s 10-year energy plan that will support even more wind and renewable projects to come online.

Stanwell Chief Executive Officer Michael O’Rourke said the project would potentially be a joint venture with global renewable developer Cubico.

“Queenslanders could potentially own 100 per cent of the energy produced from this project – 50 per cent through joint ownership and the other 50 per cent through a power purchase agreement,” he said.

“We are looking to potentially operate and maintain the project once it’s built, so there may be new positions as well as opportunities for existing Stanwell employees to gain skills and experience in renewables.”

Media contact: Dan Knowles 0432 681 664