Tablelands wind farm gets federal go-ahead
CONSTRUCTION on a multimillion-dollar wind farm planned for the Tablelands could start sooner than initially thought, after being given the green light by the Federal Government.
The Department of Environment has granted approval to French company Neoen's Green Power Hub at Kaban, near Ravenshoe.
The $300 million alternative energy project is to include 29 wind turbines, a substation, battery storage, access tracks and cabling to generate energy for the market.
Neoen says its Green Power Hub will generate more than 401,100 megawatt hours of clean electricity into the national grid each year – enough power for about 87,905 homes.
The department’s approval includes a list of 41 conditions national electricity including not clearing more than 129ha in order to protect threatened species including the magnificent brood frog, the greater glider and northern quoll.
The project gained state approval in mid-2018.
A Neoen spokesman said now the project had been fully approved, Kaban would have some of Queensland’s best wind resources.
“We are continuing to invest in the project and look forward to stimulating the northern Queensland economy through its $300 million construction,” he said. “Our efforts are currently focused on finalising the facility’s grid connection, with construction due to commence between late 2020 and early 2021.”
There are two wind farms currently on the Tablelands, including Ratch Australia’s project at Windy Hill near Ravenshoe, and its large farm at Mt Emerald.