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Media Release
24 April 2015
Mt Emerald Wind Farm receives development
approval
Calls for cleaner energy in Queensland are closer to being answered after the proposed Mt Emerald Wind Farm
received Development Approval from the State Government today.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Jackie Trad MP gave the green light to
the A$380 million wind farm near Cairns after the State Government took over responsibility to assess the development
from the Mareeba Shire Council in June 2014.
The 180 MW wind farm, a joint venture between Ratch Australia and local development and agricultural company Port
Bajool, includes up to 63 turbines which could generate enough electricity to power 75,000 homes each year.
Ratch’s business development general manager Anil Nangia said State approval was a significant achievement and a
major milestone for the Project, which promises to be a model of sustainable development.
“Over the past four years the Project development team and specialist advisors have worked with Mareeba Shire
Council and State government to develop the best possible plan, construction process and operational protocol for this
unique site with a very high wind resource.”
“We welcome the State Government’s approval of the Mount Emerald Wind Farm which follows more than four years
of consultation with regulatory authorities and local communities,” Mr Nangia said.
Mr Nangia said the Project was expected to generate around A$150 million of direct investment in Queensland and
could deliver up to 85 average annual full-time equivalent jobs, with construction employment jobs peaking at around
155. When complete, there are expected to be about 15 permanent jobs including operations and maintenance,
environmental and land management staff and administration, all with a significant flow on effect to local businesses.
“We intend to work with the community to ensure locals benefit from the Project, for example through the establishment
of a Community Benefit Fund.
Ratch’s commitment to renewable energy in Australia goes hand-in-hand with its commitment to providing sustainable
employment opportunities for local workers and suppliers,” Mr Nangia said.
“A long list of local services will be required to construct the Project including electrical contractors, fencing contractors,
concreters, welders, electricians, plant and equipment operators, transport contractors and administrators.”
JV Partner Port Bajool director John Morris said “In the medium to long term it is hoped local generation will help to
ensure greater energy security for the region as well as reducing electricity prices by minimising costs associated with
transmission of power over long distances from further south. Mt Emerald will encourage a positive investment
environment for future projects that will help grow a local renewable generation network to include various forms of solar,
hydro and biofuels.”
The Mount Emerald Wind Project will boost Queensland’s renewable energy credentials significantly. Of the 3,500MW
of wind generation capacity currently in the country, Queensland only supplies around 12MW, from wind farms in
Ravenshoe and on Thursday Island.
Mr Nangia pointed out the Project did not require State or Federal funding but would benefit from the retention of the
Renewable Energy Target (RET) currently being reviewed by the Federal Government.
ENDS
For more information contact:
Anil Nangia, phone 07 3214 3400, email anil.nangia@ratchaustralia.com
Wendy Morris, phone 0418 717 280, email wendy@portbajool.com.au
www.ratchaustralia.com
www.mtemeraldwindfarm.com.au