The Tarong West Wind Farm project, set to be Australia’s largest publicly owned wind farm, has cleared a significant hurdle with the approval of a State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) application. This milestone brings the project one step closer to its goal of driving clean energy production and job creation in Queensland.
Project Overview
Located 30 kilometres southwest of Kingaroy, the proposed wind farm will be equipped with 97 turbines, generating enough clean energy to power approximately 230,000 homes. The initiative is a key component of Queensland’s strategy to achieve 70% renewable energy by 2032 and 80% by 2035, as outlined in the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.
Government Support and Investment
The project is bolstered by a substantial $776.1 million investment from the Queensland Government’s Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund. This funding not only supports the construction phase but also aims to foster local economic growth, with an anticipated 200 construction jobs and 15 permanent operational positions.
Importance and Impact
Stanwell CEO Michael O’Rourke emphasized the significance of the wind farm, stating, “The Tarong West Wind Farm is integral to Stanwell’s decarbonisation efforts and Queensland’s renewable energy targets. This approval brings us closer to achieving our goal of 9 to 10 gigawatts of large-scale wind and solar capacity by 2035. Beyond generating clean energy, the project will deliver considerable benefits to the local community and provide long-term career opportunities.”
Job Creation and Economic Benefits
Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs, Mick de Brenni, highlighted the dual benefits of the project. “This initiative not only advances clean energy production but also secures job opportunities for the local workforce. The construction phase will create around 200 jobs and provide a financial boost to the region, with additional long-term roles in operations and maintenance.”
Environmental Considerations
The assessment process has included measures to mitigate environmental impacts, such as protecting 13.47 hectares of koala habitat and requiring offsets for up to 5.4 hectares. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2025, marking a significant step toward a more sustainable energy future for Queensland.
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