Proserpine Wind Farm Proposal Withdrawn

Renewable Energy Partners have withdrawn their proposal for the Proserpine Wind Farm, a 166-turbine project put forward in 2022. The project had reached final stages of planning before being dropped this month.

Renewable Energy Partners had pitched that the farm would generate enough renewable energy to power roughly 640,000 houses a year, whilst creating 250 jobs.

Their plans, however, created controversy amongst some locals who raised concerns about the impact of the farm on the environment, health, and the area’s liveability.

Protesters from the Whitsunday Wind Farm Action Group stated: “Today’s news that the Proserpine Wind Farm is not proceeding has understandably lifted spirits across the community.”

However, they highlighted, other ongoing wind projects remain on their radar – namely the Mt Challenger Wind Farm, a turbine development proposed by Alinta Energy.

This proposal involves two separate project locations at Mt Challenger and Crystal Brook/Kelsey Creek with plans for up to 30 industrial wind turbines, each reaching approximately 240 metres in height.

Several of the proposed turbine locations are close to existing rural homes and properties, with some situated within 1.5 kilometres of residences and less than 9 kilometres from Proserpine.

Alinta calls the project “a powerful opportunity for the region”, which is “committed to making a positive impact in communities.”

According to their website: “The project is expected to bring a range of benefits, including jobs across construction, operations, and decommissioning phases; upgrades to essential services like roads and emergency response; and contributions to initiatives led by the community itself.”

At time of publication, a petition against the Alinta Energy development has garnered 4,493 signatures.

“This conversation isn’t over,” Whitsunday Wind Farm Action states.

“We ask: If a project in a more suitably located area has been deemed unviable, and the region is already described as “chock-full” of wind proposals, why does a proposal situated closer to homes, scenic corridors and established rural communities continue to move forward?”

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, met with the group this week to hear community concerns.

“We are grateful to Andrew and his team for standing with us, for acknowledging our concerns, and for committing to continue advocating on our behalf,” the group published.

“This community is resilient, informed, and united — and we will continue to stand up for our homes and our future.”

Photo Source: Whitsunday Wind Farm Action Group

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