September 1, 2019
The State Government has approved the construction of a 64MW 16-turbine wind farm by Chinese-owned Australian Energy Wind Farm (AEWF) at Mannuem.
The $128 million wind farm will be built on a 500ha block near the intersection of Jumma and Glenrocks roads.
AEWF has already bought the land.
The Gold Coast-based company is fully owned by China’s Heilongjiang Ainaji Dianli Pty Ltd which has been involved in at least 85 renewable energy projects overseas.
A State Government media statement on Sunday said the project would create 100 jobs during construction.
AEWF representatives detailed the proposal at a public meeting held in Kingaroy in May.
Nick Canto from I3 Consulting, the Brisbane-based engineering consultancy engaged by AEWF, told this meeting appropriately skilled local workers would be used where possible during construction.
After construction, the project would be overseen by five permanent staff.
State Development Minister Cameron Dick said the wind farm was expected to be operational by next year.
“The Queensland Government is committed to supporting investment in regional Queensland and renewable energy projects,” Mr Dick said.
“It’s a huge jobs boost for the area and will help us achieve our renewable energy target.
“Wind farms don’t just provide an economic boost for the State, the environmental benefits are equally important.”
A spokesperson for AEWF said construction would commence as early as March 2020.
“Once constructed the wind farm is expected to generate enough energy to power the equivalent of around 35,000 homes and will reduce carbon dioxide output by an estimated 150,000 tonnes each year,” she said.
“Wind farm technology has significantly advanced during recent years and the 16 turbines on site will each produce between 4-5.5 megawatts of energy.
“Before operations commence, we will be upgrading local roads leading to the site and delivering the associated infrastructure such as a substation.”
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