Neoen’s planned green power hub at Kaban, 80km south-west of Cairns, has received State development approval.

State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Minister Cameron Dick said the $300 million wind farm project would bring substantial investment to the region and was expected to create around 150 jobs during construction.

“The proposed development at Kaban is for a wind farm for up to 29 turbines and additional infrastructure, including a substation and battery storage facility,” Mr Dick said.

“This means jobs for the region over the 12-month estimated construction period and more clean energy for the region to tap into.

“The green power hub, which will incorporate the wind farm, is a $300 million project, planned to operate for at least 30 years and generate enough power to supply 57,000 homes.”

Total generation capacity is expected to be up to 160MW.

Mr Dick said the turbines would have a maximum height of 240m.

“Neoen worked closely with the department to assess acoustic impacts on nearby houses, impacts on fauna, native vegetation clearing and traffic impacts,” he said.

The Kaban hub is among more than two dozen large-scale renewable energy projects currently committed or under construction throughout Queensland, including the recently announced $200 million Lakeland wind farm.