Did you know, hosting a renewable energy project not only supports local communities and contributes to cleaner energy but it also enhances property safety for landowners?

Written by Squadron Energy |

Simon and Patrice on rocks  

Simon McAulay Powell has been a cattle grazier on his property in Central Queensland for nearly 25 years.

Mr McAulay Powell is also a host landowner at Squadron Energy’s Clarke Creek Wind Farm, located 150km north-west of Rockhampton and 150km south of Mackay on the land of the Barada Kabalbara Yetimarala (BKY) peoples.

With construction underway on Stage One of the project, we asked Mr McAulay Powell about the experience so far and how the project has impacted the safety measures on his farm.

Mr McAulay Powell said farm safety is always top of mind, particularly in remote or regional areas – with greater distances from emergency services.

“The construction of wind turbines at Clarke Creek Wind Farm has positively impacted safety on our farm,” Mr McAulay Powell said.

Particularly in terms of bushfire safety, the project’s access roads serve as really effective fire breaks and also make it easier and safer for us to move around the property.

When it comes to working with the project team during construction, Mr McAulay Powell said the experience has been positive and straightforward.

“Our experience with Squadron Energy regarding onsite safety has been really positive. When traveling near the construction area, we communicate on the appropriate UHF channel and we slow down around other vehicles to ensure safe interactions.”

Once complete, the 450MW wind farm, consisting of 100 turbines, will produce enough electricity to power about 330,000 Australian homes and avoid 738,000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.

The project has created more than 350 jobs during construction and is injecting $110 million into the regional economy.

Reinforcing our commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our communities, Squadron Energy is also a proud supporter of the RACQ Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service and their vital air ambulance and rescue missions in Central Queensland.

Read more: Squadron Energy supports lifesaving work of RACQ CapRescue

Simon Mc Aulay Powell  

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