April 27, 2022
Community consultations about a proposed wind farm bigger than AGL’s Coopers Gap project will be held at Ironpot, Kumbia and Chahpingah next month.
The meetings will discuss the 151-turbine Iron Leaf Wind Farm that independent renewable energy company RES wants to build at Ironpot.
If approved, the Iron Leaf project will involve the construction and operation of the wind farm, along with associated infrastructure that will connect its output to existing 275kV transmission lines that cross the site.
RES is the world’s largest independent renewable energy company and has been operating for more than 40 years.
Its existing projects now generate more than 22GW of renewable energy world-wide.
The company also employs more than 2500 staff – including 100 in Australia – and is active in 10 countries.
A company spokesperson told southburnett.com.au RES believes the input and support of local communities is crucial in the development of socially responsible energy projects.
Because of this, the company will be holding informal drop-in sessions at Ironpot, Kumbia and Chahpingah next month to meet with interested community members, provide information about the project, obtain local feedback and discuss the impacts and opportunities that may flow to the South Burnett.
The community information sessions will be held on:
- Thursday, May 5 – Ironpot Farmer’s Hall in Jarail Road, Ironpot (10:00am to 2:00pm)
- Friday, May 6 – Kumbia Memorial Hall Supper Room, Bell Street, Kumbia (10:00am to 2:00pm)
- Thursday, May 19 – Chahpingah Hall, Burra Burri Road, Chahpingah (10:00am to 2:00pm)
RES said the company was developing the project’s design and layout and was preparing to undertake planning and independent environmental assessments.
It anticipates that application and approval processes will begin the second half of 2022.
If developed, the Iron Leaf Wind Farm will deliver local benefits through employment opportunities and community funding programs.
It is expected to generate enough renewable energy to power at least 230,000 homes and will create about 200 local jobs during construction, as well as 15 ongoing operational roles when complete.
“RES is very excited to be part of the clean energy future of Queensland … and we look forward to working on this exciting new project,” RES Australia’s CEO Matt Rebbeck said.
“RES has delivered multiple large-scale renewable energy projects in Australia, with over 3GW in construction or operation including the Dulacca Wind Farm, west of Miles.”
The company has also built a project website where interested local residents can find out more about the project and keep updated about its development.
