A wind farm with the potential to power 75,000 homes a year on the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland has received State Government approval with strict conditions to address community concerns.
The Mount Emerald Wind Farm will have the capacity to generate 225 megawatts (MW) of electricity, or 500,000MW hours of renewable energy each year, with the potential to power around 75,000 homes for over 20 years.
The proposed development was ‘called in’ for assessment by the State Government on 11 June 2014 following a request from Mareeba Shire Council.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Jackie Trad said the department conducted a comprehensive assessment of the development application, including consultation with a number of government agencies and independent consultants regarding key issues raised by the community.
“As part of the approval, the State requires the proponent, Mount Emerald Wind Farm Pty Ltd, to comply with a number of strict conditions, including daytime and night time noise limits which are equal to, or better than, standards in other states like Victoria and South Australia,” she said.
The approval also includes a condition requiring all turbines to be located at least 1.5km from any existing dwelling, which is consistent with current advice from the National Health and Medical Research Council and the Chief Health Officer.
The project will have to obtain further relevant approvals, including from the Federal Environment Minister for matters under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1990.
The wind farm is a joint venture between Racht Australia and Port Bajool Pty Ltd.
