Over 180,000 hectares across multiple grazing properties near Collinsville will soon be transformed into a Green Energy Hub, utilising the power of the sun and wind to create up to 3,000 megawatts of clean energy, while still utilising the land for pasture and complementing its pre-existing purpose.
One of the largest projects of its kind in Queensland, the Collinsville Green Energy Hub is an initiative of major renewable energy company Ark Energy.
Playing a significant role in the Queensland Government’s goal of sourcing 50 per cent of the state’s energy needs from renewable sources by 2030 and the Australian Government’s Climate Change Bill 2022 to reach net zero by 2050, this project hopes to be a game-changer for local industry.
Set to generate $1 billion in local and regional expenditure, the Green Energy Hub will create 350 jobs during construction and 15 to 30 jobs for operation thereafter.
Having recently been toll-gated to the next stage of the feasibility study, referred to as the final development stage, Collinsville locals can expect to see a range of significant studies take place in the coming months.
These include civil and electrical design, installation of meteorological masts, deployment of additional mobile wind monitoring units, ecological surveys, initiation of planning and environmental approvals, and plans for grid connection.
This follows early feasibility studies including landholder engagement, Autumn ecology surveys, wind resource monitoring, and conceptual civil and electrical design.
Ark Energy is engaging with a broad cross section of stakeholders as part of detailed stakeholder and community engagement plans, and the proposal will be subject to a rigorous assessment process under both the Queensland Government and Australian Government.
There will also be a permanent information centre for the project at 47 Railway Road in Collinsville which will provide convenient access to a local point of contact and extended members of the project team.
This Saturday, Ark Energy will be hosting a community connection event at the information centre and everyone is invited to come down and find out more about the Green Energy Hub.
This is an opportunity to ask questions, learn about how you can get involved and see how we can all work together to maximise the benefits of this project.
There will be a breakfast cart sausage sizzle plus an impressive LEGO wind turbine set to be won.
Project updates will also be issued regularly and there will be plenty of opportunities to provide input through local information sessions.
The Ark Energy team can also be contacted directly at any time by phone on 1800 731 296 or email to info@collinsvillehub.com.au.
Fast Facts:
• Set to generate $1 billion in local and regional expenditure
• 350 jobs during construction and 15-30 jobs for operation
• Target investment decision: 2025
• Target completion: 2030
• Capacity of up to 3,000 Megawatts produced
• Result in a net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 3,000,000 t CO2-e / yr.
WHAT: Collinsville Green Energy Hub Community Event
WHEN: Saturday, November 26 from 8.30am and to 12pm
WHERE: 45 47 Railway Road Collinsville
