Wind farm win to create new jobs for locals
A proposed large-scale wind farm project valued at up to $2 billion, is on course to be built between Maryborough and Gympie.
Minister for State Development Cameron Dick said the Forest Wind project is expected to create around 440 construction jobs and boost renewables supply for Queensland’s future energy needs.
“The wind farm would generate approximately 1200 megawatts at capacity, which will power more than 550,000 homes.”
Mr Dick said the proposed wind farm would be located within state forest land between Gympie and Maryborough.
“It would co-exist with established southern pine timber plantations that support our forestry industry,” he said.
The plantations are owned and managed by HQPlantations on land under licence from the state.
Forest Wind Holdings, a joint venture between Queensland-based renewables firm CleanSight and Siemens Financial Services, has proposed to locate up to 226 wind turbines across the sites.
They have confirmed that subject to receiving all relevant approvals, construction of the wind farm could commence as early as fourth-quarter 2020.
HQPlantations CEO 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,”
