Ambitious Project for Renewable Energy
The company behind Australia’s largest under-construction onshore wind farm, the 1.3GW Golden Plains project in Victoria, has revealed ambitious plans to construct an even larger 1.5GW wind farm in northern Queensland.
Cameron Downs Energy Park: A New Frontier
WestWind Energy has announced it is preparing planning and environmental applications for the newly proposed Cameron Downs Energy Park, slated for development south of Hughenden in Queensland’s Flinders Shire.
In its initial stages, the project envisions the installation of up to 200 turbines, each reaching a height of 280 meters from base to tip, on a site spanning approximately 32,000 hectares.
Powering Queensland Homes and Reducing Emissions
A project fact sheet highlights that this “significant renewable energy project” could power roughly one million homes in northern Queensland while offsetting over 4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
Early Stages of Development and Stakeholder Engagement
“We are in the early phases of development for the Cameron Downs Energy Park, preparing the necessary planning and environmental applications,” the fact sheet states.
“We are actively engaging with local stakeholders, including the Flinders Shire Council and cultural heritage experts, to inform the project’s development.
“We will continue to collaborate with landholders, neighbors, and other local stakeholders, including the community… We are also working with other developers in the region to maximize renewable energy benefits and ensure positive community outcomes.”
Community Benefits Scheme
According to the project website, a contribution of $2,000 per turbine would be allocated to a local community benefits scheme, developed in consultation with the community, with annual contributions ensuring the project’s financial benefits are shared throughout the region.
WestWind is also proposing a 1.5 GW wind farm in Lake Victoria, New South Wales, and has initiated community consultation for that project.
Golden Plains Wind Farm: A Landmark Project
WestWind was the original developer of the Golden Plains wind farm in Victoria, where construction is currently underway on the final 577MW stage of the massive 1,333MW project.
The 756MW Golden Plains Wind Farm Stage 1, now owned by TagEnergy, is nearing completion and is expected to commence generating green energy in the first quarter of 2025, followed by Stage 2 in mid-2027.
Upon completion, Golden Plains Wind Farm will hold the title of Australia’s largest wind farm, delivering 9% of Victoria’s energy needs and powering over 750,000 homes – equivalent to every home in regional Victoria.