Proposed $500m Coopers Gap Wind Farm declared a coordinated project by Queensland Government
QUEENSLAND'S proposed biggest wind farm near Kingaroy is a step closer to generating clean energy and 370 jobs with its declaration as a coordinated project, the State Government announced last week.
Minister for State Development and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dr Anthony Lynhamsaid that AGL's $500 million Coopers Gap Wind Farm would now move to an environmental impact statement with public consultation.
Above: A wind farm at Albany in Western Australia / by David Clarke.
"This project is an example of the Palaszczuk Government's focus on diversifying our economy, generating jobs of the future, and becoming a leader in renewable energy generation," Dr Lynham said.
"AGL Energy Limited has said the project could create up to 350 construction jobs and ongoing employment for up to 20 people in the region.
"Depending on the Coordinator-General's evaluation, construction could start in late 2017 and take two and half years, making it operational by 2020.
"Our strong renewable energy agenda is clearly encouraging private sector investment in renewable energy.
"If AGL proceeds, this would be one of Australia's largest green energy producers, and support our policy to generate half of Queensland's electricity needs from renewable energy by 2030."
Dr Lynham said the wind farm had the potential to supply power to about 180,000 households from a proposed installed capacity of about 350MW and up to 115 wind turbines.
In Far North Queensland, Ergon Energy has already offered a 12.5 year power purchase agreement for the 170MW Mt Emerald wind farm south of Cairns.
The next stage for Coopers Gap will be the release for comment of draft terms of reference for the EIS.
Photo: Albany Wind Farm, WA / David Clarke / Licensed under Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 2.0.
Approval announced for $200m Lakeland Wind Farm in Far North Queensland - 13 February 2018
AGL to proceed with Australia's largest wind farm at Coopers Gap in Queensland - 21 August 2017
New planning code to support wind farm industry in Queensland - 17 July 2016
Mount Emerald Wind Farm receives approval from the Queensland Government - 28 April 2015
Queensland Government calls in proposed Mount Emerald Wind Farm in Far North Queensland - 17 June 2014
Draft wind farm code released for public comment by Queensland Government - 13 May 2014
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