TSBE to work with local contractors on Coopers Gap wind farm project
Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise congratulates AGL Energy (AGL) on achieving financial close for Coopers Gap wind farm, which means the project is set to proceed, bringing up to 200 jobs during the peak of construction, and up to 20 jobs once operational.
TSBE has spent 14 months working behind-the-scenes with AGL on the Coopers Gap wind farm project, and is set to continue its work with contractors in the region.
GE has partnered with construction firm Catcon and AGL to develop and build the 453MW Coopers Gap Wind Farm in Australia. AGL announced today it will proceed to construction.
The project will be the largest wind farm in Australia on completion.
TSBE has been working closely with Councils and members to ensure local content from suppliers can be sought where possible for the approx $850million project.
The wind farm will be built near the township of Cooranga North, which is situated near Bell, a town between Kingaroy and Dalby.
TSBE executive chairman Shane Charles said the project was a great example of investment in new and alternate energy sectors in Queensland.
As the project footprint sits within the Western Downs and South Burnett regional councils, it will drive jobs and industry to the area.
TSBE General Manager Supply Chain Reagan Parle said a number of regional firms had significant major project experience and that their credentials would be well-placed geographically to compete for work with lead construction contractors.
“We anticipate that our membership and wider network can meet some aspects of the project and look forward to working towards interest around roads, trenching, fencing, earthworks, trades, transport and other operational requirements,” Mr Parle said.
“There are significant opportunities ahead for contractors in our region and we look forward to continuing to work with AGL on the Coopers Gap wind farm.”
“This project will be a visible example of the renewables sector, clean-energy sector investment in the region.”
TSBE has already worked with Councils and Chambers to hold information sessions in Kingaroy and Dalby in relation to this major project and is set to hold further contractor sessions, to give our region’s contractors a chance to understand the project requirements.
More information on these events will be available in the future.
A factsheet on the project that was produced prior to this announcement is available here.
It is the first project in Queensland to be developed under the Powering Australian Renewables Fund (PARF), a fund formed by AGL, QIC and Future Fund.
From its 123 towers, the Coopers Gap wind farm will produce approximately 1,510,000 MWh of renewable energy annually, which can power more than 260,000 Australian homes.
The wind farm is expected to be fully operational by mid-2019.
