Green light: Two wind farms, 400 local jobs receive crucial approvals

A much-needed employment boom will hit the Darling Downs following the approval of two brand new wind farms in the region.

In a matter of months, 180 new wind turbines will grace the skyline of the Darling Downs, with two brand new projects given the thumbs up for completion.

Two new wind farms and the potential 400 jobs they will generate are a step closer to coming to fruition thanks to a green light given from the State Assessment and Referral Agency.

Developers Acciona received approval to build the $1.96 billion Macintyre Wind Farm Precinct just 40 kilometres out of Warwick.

Planning Minister and Deputy Premier Steven Miles said the precinct would propel up to 1026 megawatts of energy into the state’s electricity network.

“The MacIntyre Wind Farm Precinct is set to provide up to 400 local jobs during construction, with an additional 240 jobs for the construction of the 64km transmission line, and 14 full-time jobs once in operation,” he said.

“Acciona also expects its local spend during construction to exceed $500 million, which is great news for the Southern Downs, Goondiwindi, and Toowoomba communities.”

Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Minister Mick de Brenni said the project would deliver jobs for Queenslanders.

“I’m pleased that Acciona have committed to our Government’s Buy Queensland approach to use a local workforce and suppliers on this $1.96 billion project,” he said.

“This will deliver significant economic benefits for the Darling Downs and beyond, and more renewable megawatts as the state works to reach its 50 per cent renewable energy target by 2030.

“The commitment to a 50 per cent renewable energy target by 2030 has already enabled more than $9.9 billion of investment since December 2016 and created 7,000 construction jobs.”

A second project, the 103 megawatt Karara Wind Farm, also a part of the Macintyre Precinct, will be owned and operated by CleanCo Queensland.

The government-owned entity will purchase 400 megawatts a year from the MacIntyre Wind Farm.

CleanCo CEO Dr Maia Schweizer said the approval was a significant step forward for the project.

“CleanCo is proud to be partnering with Acciona to deliver such a significant project in Queensland’s renewable energy landscape,” Dr Schweizer said.

“With this project we are harnessing wind with a profile that perfectly complements solar energy – that allows us to provide reliable, affordable low-emissions energy to our large commercial and industrial customers using our unique portfolio, and is an important step toward unlocking Queensland’s potential to generate and use globally competitive clean energy.”

Acciona expects to begins construction on the precinct by the second half of this year, with completion and operation due in 2024.