MacIntyre Wind Farm project sees more than 80 local businesses contracted

After almost two years under construction, a long awaited wind farm project in the Southern Downs is nearing completion after having injected millions of dollars into the regions’ businesses. Full details here.

The controversial MacIntyre Wind Farm project near Warwick is one step closer to powering thousands of homes across Queensland.

Set to be one of the largest onshore wind farms in the world, the project has now installed 100 of its 162 wind turbines.

Acciona Energia has revealed the $2bn renewable energy project’s construction phase employed more than 650 from the Southern and Darling Downs region.

It’s estimated more than $115m has been injected into labour, materials and services from businesses in the region.

MacIntyre Wind Farm outside Warwick has smashed its construction targets with the project having installed it's 100th turbine. Photo: Supplied

MacIntyre Wind Farm project maintenance worker Carlene, a Southern Downs local, has enjoyed the work life balance of working on the project.

“The positive aspect of working at the MacIntyre Wind Farm is that it’s 15 minutes from home whereas I would be travelling at least 45 minutes to one of the major towns to get a job,” she said.

In November 2023, Warwick Daily News was invited to attend a tour of the project which has attracted more than 1000 visitors as part of site run group tours.

MacIntyre Wind Farm project director of engineering and construction Andrew Tshaikiwsky said he was most proud of the number of local jobs the project has created.

Director of Engineering and Construction at ACCIONA Energia, Andrew Tshaikiwsky. Photo: Supplied

“I’m really proud of what’s been happening and the work flowing through the towns and community,” he said.

“There’s been a lot of workforce from the local area that have been a part of the project and it’s helped a lot of people find employment opportunities.

“From small cafes and caterers to mechanics and transport operators and multimillion-dollar earthworks and equipment contracts, the project has been supporting countless local businesses.”

The project is anticipated to be fully operational in the third quarter of 2025.

Originally published as MacIntyre Wind Farm project sees more than 80 local businesses contracted