Businesses keen to work for Western Downs wind farm industry

A recently released report by Cubico Sustainable Investments (Cubico) and Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) shows that there is no shortage of businesses with experience to work on wind farms in the Western Downs.

The Wind Farm Capability Assessment Mapping Study is the ‘Ultimate Guide’ to over 160 businesses which have expressed interest in working on Cubico’s Wambo Wind Farm and shown their capability to work on other wind farms in the Southern Queensland region.

Construction of Wambo Wind Farm, in the heart of Queensland’s energy capital – the Western Downs – is due to start later this year.

The Jandowae-based project will create up to 200 jobs during the construction phase and up to 20 staff will be required once it is operational, with a focus on local labour by owner Cubico.

Cubico’s Head of Australia David Smith said, “Cubico is committed to maximising the opportunities for workers and companies in the local area to supply goods and services to, and direct employment with, the wind farm during construction and operation.”

I am pleased to say that this commitment is also shared by our potential co-owner Stanwell, with which we are working closely to develop the construction arrangements,” said Mr Smith.

“We are very excited to be working with TSBE to understand how best to make this happen.”

Stage 1 of the major project will deliver around 250MW of renewable wind energy from 42 turbines into the national grid and contribute to the Queensland Government’s target of 50% renewable generation by 2030.

Wambo Wind Farm is expected to begin operating and producing clean power in late 2023.

Once complete, it will produce enough energy to power approximately 170,500 houses per year and prevent emissions of more than 1.1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere annually.

The goal of the study is to maximise the relevant opportunities for local companies and the community by making the supply chain more visible to wind farm project buyers.

The study identifies the typical contracting model for wind farm projects, which includes tendering to the original equipment manufacturer and principal contractors that carry out balance of plant for electrical and civil works.

Local businesses were encouraged to complete a capability questionnaire to map the region’s potential supply chain capacity. 

TSBE’s General Manager of Energy and Infrastructure Lance MacManus said it has been great to work with Cubico to engage local businesses in its project.

“Wambo Wind Farm is an extraordinary project for our region, not only contributing to renewable energy targets but also creating great supply chain opportunities,” Mr MacManus said.

“We have partnered with Cubico to carry out a supply chain mapping exercise to navigate buyers to businesses in the region.”

“This study we have complied identified businesses with significant pre-qualification experience, very established in civil construction, earthwork, local roads, transport, electrical contracting and engineering.”

“They have background from other work in development from concept to design, construction, operations and maintenance.”

“This study will also identify upskilling opportunities for the supply chain,” Mr MacManus said.

The capability questionnaire received nominations from local, state and national businesses highlighting the interest in Southern Queensland’s renewable sector.

This report is made available to developers, EPCs, contractors and sub-contractors and business groups to highlight regional capability.

Please find the report here: www.tsbe.com.au/wind-farm-capability