March 18, 2022
A large wind farm to be built south-west of Kingaroy received a boost on Thursday with the announcement of $192.5 million investment by the State Government.
Government corporation Stanwell will own 50 per cent of the 252MW Wambo Wind Farm which will be located north of Niagara Road, adjacent to the Diamondy State Forest.
Cubico Sustainable Investments and Renewable Energy Partners originally secured planning approval from the State Government for the project – promoted at the time as a two-stage 500MW development – in 2020.
Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the $192.5 million investment was coming from the $2 billion Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund.
Treasurer Cameron Dick said it was a smart investment decision.
“We’re providing Queensland businesses with the certainty they need that cheaper, cleaner renewable energy will be available as they expand and grow,” he said.
Energy Minister Mick de Brenni said the “Buy Queensland” procurement approach would ensure the Wambo project provided secure jobs for Queenslanders.
“Queenslanders, through our publicly owned energy company Stanwell, will own 50 per cent of the 252MW wind farm,” Mr de Brenni said.
“Progression of our projects will be conditioned on accessing local supply chains and employing locals, including apprentices and trainees.”
Stanwell CEO Michael O’Rourke said the project would potentially be a joint venture with Cubico.
“Queenslanders could potentially own 100 per cent of the energy produced from this project – 50 per cent through joint ownership and the other 50 per cent through a power purchase agreement,” he said.
“We are looking to potentially operate and maintain the project once it’s built, so there may be new positions as well as opportunities for existing Stanwell employees to gain skills and experience in renewables.”
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Community members have been invited to attend a “drop-in session” to discuss the Wambo Wind Farm at a community update at Jandowae Memorial Hall from 9:00am to 1:00pm on Wednesday, March 23.
- External link: Wambo Wind Farm website
