Wind Farm Debate Draws Deputy Premier To Mt Challenger

MP Jarrod Bleijie with the Wind Farm Action Group. Photo sourced: Whitsundays Wind Farm Action Group (WWFA)

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The proposed Mt Challenger Wind Farm has taken another step into the spotlight, with Queensland's Deputy Premier visiting the site last week, as debate over the project continues to grow across the Whitsundays.  

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Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie met with local landholders and members of the Whitsundays Wind Farm Action Group (WWFA) to hear their concerns about the proposed development.

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“The Crisafulli Government is for all of Queensland and we promised to listen,’ Premier Bleijie said.

“Thank you for having me on your back deck, with the most spectacular views of your cane farm and the mountains.”

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The proposed Mt Challenger Wind Farm, located between Proserpine and Bowen, would feature up to 30 turbines, capable of powering 240 megawatts or thousands of homes through renewable energy.  

While the residents haven’t expressed issues with renewable energy, the location of it has frustrated many farmers that call this area home, largely forming the need for the current Whitsundays Wind Farm Action Group.  

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“They're proposing to put those turbines 300 metres from my boundary fence, where I'm trying to build a house in the future,” said nearby farmer Damien Friederichs.  

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“I think people need to understand that we're not against the renewable side of it, it's just the location is wrong.”  

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“When I found out they were putting this turbine right at my back door, where I'm trying to build a house that I've been setting up for 15 years, I got on board with these guys to make sure that this does not happen.”

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On top of impeding Damien's land and future property concerns, such as subdividing for his daughter, he fears the project could affect the aerial spraying on his cane farm, increase fire risk, raise insurance costs and leave neighbouring landholders carrying the impacts despite not hosting the turbines.  

"I just cannot believe that the host thought that it was acceptable,” Damien said.  

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For the WWFA, the Premier’s visit was a positive sight they’d been waiting for.  

“Well, it was a pleasure to have him turn up because it means that we're reaching the right people,” Damien said.  

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“Being from a farming background himself, he could very well resonate with how we were feeling and the problems that we have.”  

Alinta Energy, the developer behind the proposed wind farm, say they are continuing to gather evidence and community feedback as part of the planning process.  

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"It’s still early days for the Mt Challenger Wind Farm,” said a spokesperson for Alinta Energy.  

“We’re continuing to work through a range of environmental, technical and social assessments so we can provide clear, evidence‑based information to the whole community.  

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"We understand some community members have concerns about the development of wind farms in the area, and we are listening carefully to their feedback.”

Alinta Energy said, if approved, the project could deliver construction and operational jobs, local procurement opportunities, road and infrastructure upgrades and environmental improvement programs, while also supporting Queensland's renewable energy network.

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The company will also host community information sessions at the Proserpine Tennis Club on Wednesday, July 29, from 4pm to 7pm, and the Flagstaff Hill Convention Centre in Bowen on Thursday, July 30, from 10am to 2pm, where residents can speak with members of the project team and ask questions about the proposal.

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