Renewable Energy Partners proposes a new wind farm for Proserpine
More than 180 wind turbines, providing enough electricity to power 375,000 homes has been proposed for Proserpine and could provide as many as 250 construction jobs if approved. SEE ALL THE DETAILS
Whitsunday
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A privately-funded project to bring a wind farm in the Whitsundays promises to provide new activity for local businesses, new work prospects and fund community projects.
Brisbane based firm Renewable Energy Partners has brought forward the project of constructing a wind farm on two cattle stations west of the Peter Faust Dam near Proserpine.
The firm held their first community meeting in early March to answer some of the questions locals may have.
The 900MW wind farm is proposed for Proserpine, and would include 183 wind turbines, cater electricity to approximately 375,000 households when fully operational, and create 250 jobs during its construction and 20 jobs for the ongoing operations.
Provided the project receives federal and state approvals, its construction could start west of Proserpine by 2026.
A Renewable Energy Partners spokeswoman said Proserpine was chosen as a location for its higher-than-average wind speed in the area, but also as it is located next to a grid connection point that would feed into the Strathmore Substation, with the company committed to upgrade the transmission line to the substation.
The spokeswoman ensured local businesses would be considered to source labour and materials, although the project “will be unable to be constructed with local workers alone”.
“A local participation plan is being developed to make certain the local community are aware of opportunities as the project progresses,” the spokeswoman said.
“We have already been approached by several local businesses and are establishing a database of businesses and suppliers in the local area.”
A timeline of the project explains that an EPIC (Environment Protection and Biodervisity Conservation) approval as well as a development application should be secured by mid-2025, with the project starting construction by 2026 and the commercial operations starting by 2029.
Renewable Energy Partner’s CEO Luke McDonald said the wind farm project was bringing a pre-construction Community Benefit Fund, which would provide two rounds of $25,000 invested in community projects in the areas of Proserpine, Bowen, Dittmer, Kelsey Creek, Silver Creek, Pauls Pocket, Goorganga Creek and Mount Pluto.
“We are looking to fund projects that target training and education and those enhancing arts and culture, community resilience, health and wellbeing or environmental
sustainability.” Mr McDonald said.
He said the company was looking at establishing local people in the committee that would select successful applicants.
Applications are open until April 10 for the first round of applications.
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