June 8, 2016
Australia

Coopers Gap wind farm: Independent coordinator to probe environmental impact of plans near Kingaroy

By Dominic Cansdale | ABC News | 8 June 2016 | www.abc.net.au

The environmental impact of a proposal to develop Queensland’s largest wind farm will be conducted over the next six months.

The State Government is encouraging South Burnett residents, near Kingaroy in southern Queensland, to submit their views on the project to the independent coordinator conducting the assessment.

AGL Energy plans to build 115 wind turbines in Coopers Gap by 2020 but some residents are concerned about the noise generated once the project starts operating.

The Minister for State Development, Dr Anthony Lynham, said there were significant environmental benefits.

“This project will displace annual greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent of taking 214,000 cars off the road each year, this is a big project, this is an important project,” he said.

Dr Lynham said he understood the community’s concern but the economic benefits stacked up.

“It’s 370 jobs this project will generate near Kingaroy and they’re going to be local jobs, local contractors, labourers and suppliers,” he said.

“It’ll bring $4 million annually to the local economy.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2016/06/08/coopers-gap-wind-farm-independent-coordinator-to-probe-environmental-impact-of-plans-near-kingaroy/