Employees were shocked to discover a major renewable energy development would be built near a state-run mining operation in Queensland’s South Burnett region.
Meandu coal mine workers were recently caught off-guard by owner Stanwell Corporation’s new Tarong West Wind Farm at Ironpot, 30km southwest of Kingaroy.
They complained that Stanwell did not inform them about the $776 million project and how it might affect job security for hundreds employed at the mine, 155km southwest of Gympie.
“The premier has completely blindsided the South Burnett community with her announcement of a proposed wind farm,” State Shadow Minister for Regional Development Deb Frecklington said according to News Limited.
“She has completely forgotten about the 670 workers at Meandu mine and Tarong Power Station in the South Burnett who were not told about this project and who are rightfully wondering how it impacts their future.”
Frecklington accused State Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk of taking regional Queenslanders for granted.
“There has been no consultation with the community who are questioning how it will impact them. I am sure local people would have liked to have seen that sort of money spent on our roads or our health services,” she said according to the media outlet.
The proposal involves erecting up to 150 turbines with a combined annual capacity of 500 megawatts, which is claimed to be enough power for up to 230,000 homes. The project is supported by the $2 billion Queensland Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund.
Stanwell defended its decision to decarbonise existing assets because it would create 200 construction jobs and 15 operational roles.
“It will also provide future career development opportunities for our people,” CEO Michael O’Rourke said in a public statement.
A final investment decision is expected during 2024 and construction will commence shortly after. Commercial operation is targeted for the year 2026.
The Electrical Trades Union (ETU) welcomed the nation’s largest publicly-owned wind farm.
“We are looking forward [to] the well-paid jobs the construction and maintenance of the farm will create,” ETU divisional branch secretary Peter Ong said in a public statement.
“It is vital that Queenslanders maintain a significant market share of renewable energy assets. Publicly-owned renewables are the future for this state. They are reliable, cleaner and will put downward pressure on electricity prices.”
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