The Boulder Creek Wind Farm is set to make history as the first large-scale wind farm in the Rockhampton region. This exciting development recently received the green light from the Queensland Government and will feature 60 wind turbines.
What’s more, it’s expected to create an impressive 350 jobs during the construction phase. But the benefits don’t stop there! The wind farm marks a significant step towards a greener future as the region transitions from a fossil-fuel-based economy to one focused on low-carbon energy.
This shift opens up a world of opportunities for local businesses, inviting diversity and attracting new ventures to the area. Rockhampton is ready to make its mark on the map as a champion of renewable energy, contributing to the modernization of Australia’s economy. As the city’s leaders have emphasised, this is a pivotal moment for Rockhampton’s role in the renewable energy sector.
The Boulder Creek Wind Farm, a project developed by Macquarie’s Green Investment Group, is set to harness one of the area’s most valuable natural resources – the wind.
Location
Situated 40 km southwest of Rockhampton and approximately 5 km west of Mount Morgan in Central Queensland, the wind farm will tap into the area’s strong wind resource. The project’s location benefits from existing high-voltage transmission lines and good site accessibility with few neighbouring properties. Interestingly, wind measurements have shown that the winds from the east dominate the site, which showcases a strong night-time profile. This natural attribute complements the daytime power output of existing solar farms, offering reliable round-the-clock service power to the Queensland grid.
Size and Capacity
The Boulder Creek Wind Farm is designed to house up to 60 wind turbines and is expected to have a maximum output of up to 372 MW. With this capacity, it will contribute substantially to the renewable energy sector in Australia and further enhance the region’s energy profile.
Project Layout
The proposed layout of the wind farm includes up to 60 wind turbines with associated access tracks for construction and operation. Additionally, there are plans for both underground and overhead power lines connecting to a proposed on-site substation. A new substation will be constructed to connect the wind turbines to the on-site 275,000-volt Stanwell to Calvale powerlines owned and operated by Powerlink. Interestingly, no off-site transmission lines are expected to be required, indicating a self-contained and efficient design for the project.
Project Status
The Boulder Creek Wind Farm has been approved by both the Queensland Government and the Commonwealth Government. Construction is expected to commence in late 2023, with the wind farm targeted to be fully operational by 2026. The project is not only significant for its contribution to the reduction of electricity costs and renewable energy targets but also for the economic benefits it will bring to the local region during both the construction and operational phases.
The approval was granted under certain conditions to protect the local environment. This includes a stipulation that not more than 541.9 hectares within the project area will be cleared for construction, along with various monitoring and reporting requirements.
A Promising Development in the Rockhampton Region’s Backyard
Wind farms and other renewable energy initiatives can have a transformative impact on our area, introducing a host of benefits. First and foremost, they generate new job opportunities, both during the build and once they’re up and running. They also boost demand for local services, helping to invigorate our economy. What’s more, these green projects could potentially boost property prices. How? By showing that our community is committed to sustainable practices, a feature increasingly sought-after by property buyers.
The advantages don’t stop there. The energy produced by these projects also adds to the stability of our regional power supply. This can be a big draw for both businesses and residents, who value reliable energy. All these factors combine to create a positive outlook for the real estate market in the Rockhampton Region and Central Queensland, making it an appealing prospect for those looking to live and invest in our vibrant area.
