Dulacca Wind Farm: CleanCo agrees to take power from renewable Western Downs project

A booming energy hub which is expected to power more than 120,000 Queensland homes and create 150 jobs in the Western Downs has reached an important milestone on the way to its development.

A historic agreement between a Queensland owned energy giant and a Western Downs wind farm has shown positive signs for job growth in the region.

Publicly-owned renewable energy company CleanCo Queensland agreed this week to take 70 per cent of the power from the Dulacca Renewable Energy Project, after having reached financial close on the project.

Energy Minister Mick de Brenni said the 43-turbine wind farm, being developed by Renewable Energy Systems, would create jobs as well as helping to lure manufacturers to the state.

“We know it’s important to ensure the jobs in the construction of this project are decent jobs, with a focus on locals and our Buy Qld procurement rules make sure of that,” Mr de Brenni said.

Mr de Brenni said when operational, the Dulacca Wind Farm will power more than 120,000 Queensland homes.

During peak construction, up to 150 workers will be active on the project site, with between 700 to 800 people expected to directly support the construction of the project over the two-year construction period.

The project will additionally create indirect employment through supply chain and the provision of local goods and services, as well as providing a further 5 to 10 permanent jobs during the 30-year operational life of the wind farm.

Energy Minister Mick de Brenni. Picture: Stewart McLean

The Dulacca Renewable Energy Project will be constructed over a two-year period beginning this year, and will bring more than $400 million in regional economic activity and a range of ongoing economic and social benefits, according to RES Australian CEO Matt Rebbeck.

“In addition, a community fund of $1.25m will provide funding opportunities for local projects, educational and environmental initiatives, community groups and organisations within the communities surrounding the project,” Mr Rebbeck said.

The site came under pressure in 2020 after it was revealed the endangered Dulacca Woodland’s habitat would be impacted by the project.

A RES spokeswoman said the amount of vegetation to be cleared was reduced, with a three-hectare ecological offset area created.

“A collaborative effort between RES and turbine supplier, Vestas, supported a reduction in direct impact to snail habitat by more than 95 per cent, from over 40 hectares to less than 1.5 hectares of habitat impact,” she said.

“RES’ work on the Dulacca project has increased the scientific knowledge about this rare species and will help raise awareness to the species and its conservation.”