Toowoomba Regional Council approves 105m mast ahead of possible wind farm

A plan for a large wind farm southwest of Toowoomba has taken a step closer to fruition, after the council endorsed the installation of a meteorological mast.

The Toowoomba Regional Council has approved a meteorological mast at Captains Mountain, which will collect data to determine whether the site would suit a new wind farm.

A massive parcel of land southwest of Toowoomba could become a large wind farm in the near future, after the council endorsed a plan to collect data at the site.

Councillors voted unanimously at a Wednesday special meeting to approve applicant Wind Power Development Australia, a subsidiary of Danish energy company Vestas Wind Systems, for a 105m meteorological mast near the Gore Highway at Captains Mountain.

The mast, which will be lightweight in design and supported by guywires, while gather information about wind speeds and patterns at the site.

The approval comes despite several nearby residents objecting to the plan, citing potential visual, noise and fauna impacts as well as the premise a wind farm would eventually result from the approval.

“While we understand that this development application is in no way giving approval for a wind farm, it’s a concern to us that any change to the material use of the land is part of the initial stage,” landholder Beverley Mackenzie told the councillors.

“We wish to make it known so when it comes time for the wind farm application, it’s been noted there are concerns.”

But Precinct Urban Planning’s Andrew Bullen, who spoke on behalf of the applicant, said the mast was unlikely to create issues.

“This mast is designed to visually integrate into the landscape,” he said.

“There’s a high degree of physical separation between the sensitive receptors (residents) and the mast.

“It will not be reflective, it will be galvanised so that it doesn’t reflect light.”

As was noted in the meeting, the council is unlikely to be the assessor for the project if a wind farm is deemed viable at Captains Mountain, with all alternative energy developments going through the State Government.

Mayor Paul Antonio declared a conflict of interest at the start of the meeting and took no part in the decision making.