New Western Downs solar farm set to create 400 regional jobs

Two Japanese companies announced they would be investing in a major solar farm on the Western Downs which is set to create 400 jobs in regional Queensland.

One of Japan’s largest solar investments in Australia will be based in Queensland on the Western Downs with the construction of a 204-megawatt solar farm south of Chinchilla.

International companies Sojitz and ENEOS announced they had a 50/50 ownership of Edenvale Solar Park which will be built next door to Origin Energy’s Orana Gas Processing Facility on Condamine Kogan Road at Crossroads.

The Western Downs is leading the way for Queensland’s renewable energy sector, with over 23 solar farms being approvable over the past four years, including Australia’s biggest.

Queensland premier and minister for trade Annastacia Palaszczuk said the investment was great news for the state.

“This is a show of international confidence in the strength of our economic recovery plan and in Queensland’s renewable energy future,” the Premier said.

“This project will create a local jobs bonanza with over 400 jobs required during the construction phase.

“Queensland has a strong relationship with Japan and this is clearly demonstrated here by this significant investment by Sojitz and ENEOS.”

Of the renewable energy produced at the new solar farm, 70 per cent will be sold to a local electricity retailer, while 30 per cent will be supplied to Gregory Crinum Coal Mine - which Sojitz also owns and operates.

SOLAR FARM: Edenvale Solar Park will be built next door to Origin Energy's Orana Gas Processing Facility on Condamine Kogan Road at Crossroads. Pic: Google Maps

The Western Down Regional Council green lit the project in 2019 after approving an application from Edenvale Solar Park Pty Ltd for the development application of a material change of use for the creation of a renewable energy facility.

WDRC documents reveal the application was successfully changed in January 2021,to allow for the reconfiguring of land located around 2165 Kogan-Condamine Road, 1080 Avenue Road, and 148 Clynes Road.

“The use of the land for a Renewable Energy Facility is approved for a period of 30 years, from commencement of the use,” the documents read.

As part of the councils terms and conditions, Edenvale Solar Park Pty Ltd will be required to have a detailed rehabilitation and exit plan for the farmland one year before the project is decommissioned.

A large portion of cattle and grazing land at 2165 Kogan-Condamine Road (429.62Ha) which now makes up a portion of the solar farm, was sold on April 14, 2021, for $850,000 to Edenvale Land Pty Ltd.