Clarke Creek Wind Farm, QLD

Stage One of the Clarke Creek Wind Farm is located 150km north-west of Rockhampton and 150km south of Mackay on the land of the Barada Kabalbara Yetimarala (BKY) peoples. The 450MW wind farm will produce enough electricity to power around 330,000 Queensland homes and avoid 738,000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.

Key Project Info

Wind turbines

100 x Goldwind 4.5MW

Maximum capacity

450MW

Status

Under construction

PPA partners

QLD Government

330k
738k​
350
$110m

Project Timeline

Step 1/12

Project identification and site selection

Identification and site selection is based on an analysis of opportunities and constraints including (but not limited to): distance to the electricity grid, wind resource and population density of the surrounding community. Our team then undertake a number of site visits and consultation with landowners in the area.

Current Stage
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Step 2/12

Project feasibility and community engagement

Site-specific investigations are undertaken to assess the impacts and opportunities of the project and feedback is sought from the local community.

Current Stage
160m Mast

Step 3/12

Primary Approvals

A development application is made through the State Assessment and Referral Agency for approval under the State Planning Act 2016. Further environmental assessment may be required under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, which includes an opportunity for public comment.

Current Stage
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Step 4/12

Assessment and development consent

The project documents are assessed by the relevant government authorities. If determined, a development permit is granted at the state level with a range of conditions specific to the project, while at a Commonwealth level, numerous management plans need to be prepared and approved, and conditions such as those relating to disturbance limits must be met.

Current Stage
SQE Office 12 C

Step 5/12

Post approval, contracting and financing

A lead contractor(s) to build the project is appointed and all pre-construction approvals and consents are finalised. During this phase, the lead contractor(s) is provided with a list of local businesses that have registered their interest and capabilities through the project website.

Current Stage
SQE Office 3 C

Step 6/12

Procurement

During this phase our lead contractor(s) seek tenders and engage contractors and suppliers to undertake the scope of the works. Orders are then placed for major components such as the wind turbines.

Current Stage
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Step 7/12

Early works and design

Initial site activities commence, such as minor clearing and provision of access roads along with establishing a site construction compound. Off-site detailed design works commences in parallel.

Current Stage
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Step 8/12

Major civil works

During this phase of the construction the bulk of the civil works takes place. This includes the construction of new internal access roads, excavation and construction of the turbine foundations, installation of the internal electrical reticulation system, construction of the high voltage substation and main transmission line network.

Current Stage
01 Final foundation pour 2

Step 9/12

Wind turbine erection

This is where the visual aspect of the wind farm starts to emerge, with large cranes lifting the tower sections, nacelle, hub and blades into place.

Current Stage
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Step 10/12

Commissioning

In order to export power to the grid, each turbine is required to undergo several performance tests. It is during this stage that you will start to see turbines spinning and ultimately the whole of the wind farm complete.

Current Stage
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Step 11/12

Operations

The project is operating in accordance with relevant approval conditions and management plans. Compliance with conditions of approval and management plans is monitored as required throughout the life of the project.

Current Stage
CWP Sapphire Wind Farm JOW 201111 7104

Step 12/12

Decommissioning

The design life of the wind turbines will be at least 30 years. At the end of their useful life, the wind turbines and electrical equipment will be either replaced and the wind farm repowered, or the project will be decommissioned, and the site returned to its original use at the expense of the project.

Current Stage
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Concrete Pour  

Community Investment
Giving back
to the community

Clarke Creek Wind Farm is committed to building and maintaining relationships with the local community. The project team aims to keep an open dialogue with the local residents, stakeholders and the wider community to ensure successful exchange of information, consultation and engagement.

Clarke Creek Wind Farm aims to be an active member of the local community by supporting local initiatives and events.

A community fund of $200,000 each year will run for the life of the project.

The aim of the community fund will be to provide funds to enhance and enrich community initiatives throughout the local community.

Funding applications will be considered from all sectors, including but not limited to public health and wellbeing, environmental sustainability, skills and education (including scholarships), recreation and cultural activities.

Applications will be evaluated by the Community Consultative Committee (CCC), or a sub-committee, who will determine how best to distribute the funds.

Further information can be found in the Community Fund Guidelines and the Community Fund Scholarship Guidelines.


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About Squadron Energy

Squadron Energy is Australia’s leading renewable energy company that develops, operates and owns renewable energy assets in Australia. We are 100% Australian owned and have 1.1 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy in operation and 900MW under construction. With proven experience and expertise across the project lifecycle, we work with local communities and our customers to lead the transition to Australia’s clean energy future.

Contact

Project Director

John Macchiusi

Email: clarkecreek1@squadronenergy.com

Mailing Address

PO Box 3155, Broadway Nedlands WA 6009 Australia

Complaints and Issues Contact Point:

Tel: 0483 915 303

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