The Queensland Government has granted approval for the Mount Emerald Wind Farm, which will be located south of Mareeba on the Atherton Tableland in Far North Queensland.
“Our government promised to grow the renewable energy industry across the state and this project is aligned with the Far North Queensland Regional Plan 2009-2031 energy objective,” said Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Jackie Trad.
The 225 megawatt wind farm will have the potential to provide the power needs of around 75,000 households. According to the developers, the 3MW wind turbines will be approximately 80-90 metres high with approximately 50 metre blades.
Among the strict conditions for approval, turbines will be located at least 1.5km from any existing dwelling.
A joint venture between Racht Australia and Port Bajool Pty Ltd, the two applicants will also be required to consult with various government agencies and independent consultants in relation to key issues raised by the community.
During the contruction phase, approximately 200 Mt Emerald wind farm jobs will be generated, with ongoing employment for up to 15 local workers.
Before the project can proceed, it will need approval from the Federal Environment Minister for matters under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1990.
RATCH Australia owns and operates more than 815 MW of power generation capacity; consisting of four thermal fired power stations and three wind farms – Starfish Hill (34.5MW), Toora Hill (21MW) and Windy Hill (12MW). Also in its pipeline is the Collector Wind Farm; which is to be located adjacent to the Hume Highway in the NSW Southern Highlands, north of the village of Collector.
Another major renewable energy project to recently be approved in Queensland is a 15 megawatt solar farm project at Valdora on the Sunshine Coast.
To be constructed for Sunshine Coast Council on 24 hectares of a 49 hectare site, the facility is expected to save Council $9 million in power bills over the life of the project. According to ABC News, Mayor Mark Jamieson said tenders should be finalised and a contract signed in the next couple of months.
The site is in close proximity to a 33kv Energex line.
Originally proposed to be a 10MW facility, Council’s research showed significantly more value would be gained by constructing a solar farm with a greater peak output. Improvement of panel efficiency also reduced the amount of additional land required from the original 10MW solar farm proposal.
