Worker dies at Clarke Creek Wind Farm site in central Queensland

Squadron Energy has confirmed with “deep sadness” that a young man had died while working at its Clarke Creek Wind Farm site in central Queensland.

A worker has died at the Clarke Creek Wind Farm project.

A young man has died after an incident involving a piece of heavy machinery at a mega renewable energy project in central Queensland.

Squadron Energy – a company backed by billionaire Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest” – confirmed late on Wednesday that a worker had died at its Clarke Creek Wind Farm site.

The $3bn renewable energy precinct, one of the largest in the southern hemisphere, is nestled 150km in between Rockhampton and Mackay.

A spokeswoman for Squadron Energy confirmed with “deep sadness” that the man, 27, had died and that all work on site had been suspended.

“The family has been notified and is being supported. Our thoughts are with the worker’s family, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time,” she said.

“Safety is our top priority across all our sites, and the wellbeing of everyone on the Clarke Creek Wind Farm site is our immediate focus.

The Clarke Creek Wind Farm project near Rockhampton.

“We would like to acknowledge and thank the colleagues and first responders who responded to this tragedy. We will fully co-operate with investigating authorities, and we ask that the privacy of the family and all those affected be respected at this time.”

The first stage of the project involves 100 wind turbines — each 207m tall base to wing tip — stretching across an 18km area that will eventually producing 450MW of electricity once complete in 2025.

The man killed at the Clarke Creek wind farm worked for wind turbine manufacturing company Goldwind, the company has confirmed.

Goldwind, in a statement, also revealed the incident happened late on Wednesday morning.

The incident involved a piece of heavy machinery known as a “telehandler” — akin to a reach forklift.

“Despite being treated by emergency services on site, the worker was unfortunately unable to be saved,” a spokesman said.

“Our immediate thoughts and condolences are with the worker’s family, and we will provide all necessary support to them during this very difficult time.”

The Goldwind spokesman confirmed it would undertake its own investigations and co-operate with authorities.

Queensland’s state-owned electricity generator Stanwell had already signed up to take most of the energy, 346.5MW, with plans to sell that to its large commercial and industrial customers.

The second phase will bring more than 100 additional wind turbines, 500MW of solar energy and a 2GWh battery so large it will take up an estimated 17 acres of land.

Queensland Police confirmed the death of the man as non-suspicious and will prepare a report for the coroner.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland were notified about the incident that occurred at the wind farm at Mt Gardiner. WHSQ investigators are onsite and are making further inquiries.

Originally published as Worker dies at Clarke Creek Wind Farm site in central Queensland