The State Government has granted development approval for the $1 billion Lacour Energy wind farm project at Clarke Creek, 150km north-west of Rockhampton.

Minister for State Development Cameron Dick said the project would involve about 350 jobs during construction.

“In addition to building the turbines, associated infrastructure will include substations, temporary workers’ accommodation, staff and operational facilities and powerlines,” Mr Dick said.

“This means jobs for the region over the project’s 36-month construction period and more clean energy that our State can tap into.”

Director of Lacour Energy Mark Rayner said the Clarke Creek wind farm, with up to 195 turbines, would have a power output of more than 800MW of electricity.

“It is a unique renewable energy project which combines excellent wind and solar resources at a location directly adjacent to the backbone of the Powerlink 275 kV transmission network,” Mr Rayner said.

“The wind farm development approval is a significant milestone for the project. We look forward to completing the feasibility study by the end of the year so that construction can begin early next year.”

Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the new wind farm was part of Queensland’s $20 billion pipeline of energy projects – with projects worth almost $4.5 billion under way or financially committed.