Tarong West Wind Farm announcement blindsides local mining, power station workers

Hundreds of workers at the Tarong Power Station and Meandu Mine awoke to news that Australia’s largest publicly owned wind farm would be built south west of Kingaroy in another example of the Premier taking regional Queenslanders for granted, a South Burnett MP has claimed.

The planned Tarong West Wind Farm to be build south west of Kingaroy will be the largest publicly owned wind farm in Australia.

News of the $780m renewable energy project was released by the Queensland Government on Monday morning, along with projections that it would create an estimated 200 construction jobs and 15 permanent positions.

The Meandu Mine and Tarong Power Station employs 670 workers in the South Burnett. Nanango LNP MP Deb Frecklington said on Monday the morning announcement had come as a shock to those workers.

“Today the Premier has completely blindsided the South Burnett community with her announcement of a proposed wind farm,” Mrs Frecklington said.

“She has completely forgotten about the 670 workers at Meandu Mine and Tarong Power Station in the South Burnett who were not told about this project and who are rightfully wondering how it impacts their future.”

Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington says the Premier has blindsided the South Burnett region.

Mrs Frecklington said the announcement was another example of regional Queenslanders being taken for granted by the Premier.

“There has been no consultation with the community who are questioning how it will impact them,” she said.

“I’m sure local people would have liked to have seen that sort of money spent on our roads, or our health services.”

Queensland Electrical Trades Union Secretary Peter Ong said it was an exciting time for Queensland.

“We’re looking forward to future plans that will guarantee future-proofed and well-paid jobs for

electrical workers, a cleaner and more sustainable future for Queensland, and the public retaining

ownership of our renewable assets,” he said.