The government of the Australian state of Queensland is throwing its support behind a 1200MW onshore wind farm, the largest in the country.
The project in the Wide Bay region, valued at up to A$2bn (€1.2bn), is moving forward because of “facilitation support” provided by the Palaszczuk Government.
The developer, Forest Wind Holdings, has confirmed that subject to receiving all relevant approvals, construction of the wind farm could commence as early as the fourth quarter of 2020.
Minister for State Development Cameron Dick said the project had been advanced by the Queensland Government’s Investment Facilitation and Partnerships Group within the Department of State Development.
Dick said: “The project is being advanced as an exclusive transaction as part of the Queensland government’s investment facilitation services.
“This group aims to provide a clear entry point for major investment projects and a customised and streamlined pathway to decision-makers across government.”
Once operational the wind farm could boost Queensland’s installed power generation capacity by 9% and will be one of the southern hemisphere’s largest grid connected wind farms.
Over the coming months, Forest Wind, a joint venture between Queensland-based CleanSight and Siemens Financial Services, will negotiate land use and cultural heritage with the Native Title parties, the Butchulla and Kabi Kabi First Nations people, and consult with local communities and businesses.
The proposed wind farm would be located within state forest land between Gympie and Maryborough with the turbines located within established southern pine timber plantations that support Australia’s forestry industry.
Forest Wind has proposed to locate up to 226 wind turbines across the forestry plantations, which are owned and managed by HQPlantations on land under licence from the state.
Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said the Palaszczuk Labour government would continue bringing investment and jobs to the region.
“This is yet another massive project with the potential to create work for hundreds of Wide Bay families. We’ve got the workforce and skills here locally, and we’re ready to build the big projects that will transform Queensland’s future,” Saunders said.
“It’s a great example of private enterprise thinking outside the box to help boost renewable energy generation in our state,” he added.
Minister for Natural Resources and Energy Anthony Lynham said the Palaszczuk Government was “pushing ahead” to transform the state’s energy network and achieve 50% renewables by 2030.
Lynham said: “While there is still much work to be done before Forest Wind becomes a reality, our government recognises the significance of this project.
“We’ll keep working with Forest Wind Holdings and key stakeholders to facilitate the long-term access and operation of the wind farm, and to maximise the value of this land.”
Forest Wind Holdings Chairman James Pennay said in addition to the hundreds of construction jobs, the project could support up to 50 operational roles in the long-term.
HQPlantations chief executive Jeremy Callachor said: “We will work closely with Forest Wind Holdings to leverage complementary opportunities for improvements in fire protection and road access in the estate, and to ensure there is minimal impact on timber production.”
The project will now move into the detailed assessment stage, which will also include the assessment of its development application, according to Dick.