Picture: Supplied.
Emma McBryde
A $3 billion Central Queensland wind farm touted as the largest renewable energy precinct in the southern hemisphere, has left a small business owner worried for his financial future.
The owner, who chose to remain anonymous for legal and financial reasons, said their company and everyone working at Clarke Creek wind farm, 150km north of Rockhampton, were told to “demobilise” at Clarke Creek wind farm without explanation, with work stopping on Wednesday, 10 May.
Without any clarity around their contract, the owner feels left in limbo – unable to seek work elsewhere while they hope work will begin again soon.
The owner said earthworks had already stopped and whispers about the company behind Clarke Creek, Squadron Energy, having “cultural heritage issues” had been swirling for weeks.
The company, owned by billionaire Andrew Forrest, did not address the rumours when asked by CQ Today, but assured that all agreements with contractors remain in place and will continue.
Squadron Energy did not respond by deadline when asked whether contractors had been contacted about their contracts.
CEO Jason Willoughby said there would be a brief pause in work as the company took over from Windlab, following last December’s acquisition of CWP Renewables by Dr Forrest’s private investment company in Squadron.
Dr Forrest also has 75 per cent ownership of Windlab.
CWP currently operates NSW largest wind farm and has approvals in place to construct eight more projects; adding to Squadron’s five operational wind farms and numerous projects underway.
“Squadron Energy now has the in-house capability available to manage construction of its own projects, following the acquisition of CWP Renewables,” Mr Willoughby said.
“As part of the handover to Squadron Energy, we are briefly pausing work and doing a full project management review before on-site activity increases when component deliveries begin.
“All agreements with contractors remain in place and will continue. We understand the impact pausing work can have and we will keep contractors updated on when they can get back on site.
“The project management review is examining all aspects of best practice delivery including biodiversity, safety and cultural heritage plans.”
Stage one of Clarke Creek is expected to create about 350 construction jobs, employ 20 to 25 permanent staff, and inject more than $100 million into the local economy, according to Squadron Energy.
It is intended to produce enough wind, solar and battery energy to power more than 660,000 homes, about 40 per cent of Queensland households.
Last year, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk praised Squadron Energy for investing in CQ and regional jobs during construction, while helping deliver renewable energy.
During a groundbreaking ceremony, Dr Forrest said the Clark Creek wind, solar and battery wind farm would deliver affordable energy.
“When fully operational, Clarke Creek will displace enormous amounts of carbon each year by harnessing the renewable energy of the wind and sun to power our homes and commercial premises, providing cheaper energy without the hidden costs associated with coal-fired power stations,” he said.
The first 76m-long wind turbine blade and a 100-tonne tower component were recently delivered to Clarke Creek wind farm during a 300km trial run from Gladstone Port to the project site.
The largest piece of kit will have to be moved to Clarke Creek using five trucks working in tandem, with trucks assisting with braking or towing on steeper hills.