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The MacIntyre Wind Precinct serves as a hub for multiple renewable energy projects, promoting environmental conservation, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and fostering a more resilient and efficient energy infrastructure for all Australians. This concept integrates these key energy projects within its infrastructure in the Goondiwindi, Southern Downs, and Toowoomba regions.
The precinct will continue to provide diversification and drought-proof incomes to host farmers and support local towns with new business opportunities.
A key benefit of this expansion is the opportunity to create more comprehensive and impactful programs that will benefit the broader community, fostering collaboration among all parties involved in programs such as small grants programs, scholarship programs, First Nations initiatives, and legacy projects.
MACINTYRE WIND FARM
The 923MW MacIntyre Wind Farm has delivered over $680m in local economic benefit. It will be ACCIONA Energía’s biggest renewable energy facility and one of the largest onshore wind farms in the world. The wind farm is expected to start operations in Q4, 2024, and be fully operational by Q4, 2025.
The site has been selected due to its exposure to consistent winds across this part of the country. It provides a suitable resource for the development of a wind farm, which will consist of 162 turbines over a project area of 32,000 ha.
GENERAL INFORMATION
- Location: Approximately 50 kms south-west of Warwick and 10 kms south of Karara in Queensland and spans across two local government regions – Goondiwindi and Southern Downs
- Capacity: 923 MW
- Turbines: 162 turbines
- Jobs: The project has peaked in providing over 1,000 construction jobs at a time and inducted more than 4,500 workers. During its operational life, it is due to employ 35-40 additional full-time roles
- Timeline: The project commenced construction in 2022 and is expected to be operational in Q4, 2024
- Incorporates an overhead transmission line (OHTL) from the MacIntyre Intermediate Switching Station to Tummaville Substation
KEY POINTS
- Local economic benefit: procured over $680m in services, labour and materials from across Queensland
- At least 2% of the project work hours to be performed by persons who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander (ATSI)
- Provide at least $2.5 million in financial contributions to local community programs, events and initiatives within the first ten years of the Project.
MORE INFORMATION
Please visit our dedicated Community Hub page for more information about this project including relevant documentation, latest project news and community benefits.
HERRIES RANGE WIND FARM
The proposed Herries Range Wind Farm is located near Karara (about 50km west of Warwick) in the Darling Downs Region of Queensland. The project covers the Southern Downs, Goondiwindi, and Toowoomba local government areas.
ACCIONA Energía is in advanced development of the Herries Range Wind Farm, with various engineering, environmental, and social impact studies currently in progress.
The project is anticipated to consist of up to 176 wind turbines, with ancillary infrastructure including on-site substations.
GENERAL INFORMATION
- Location: Approximately 50 kms west of Warwick, immediately north of the townships of Karara and Gore in Queensland, spanning across three local government regions – Goondiwindi, Toowoomba and Southern Downs
- Capacity: 1GW
- Turbines: Up to 176 turbines
- Jobs: Over 450 construction jobs and 20-30 ongoing full-time roles expected during operation
- Timeline: The project is currently in development, with construction proposed to commence in 2026
MORE INFORMATION
Please visit our dedicated Community Hub page for more information about this project including relevant documentation, latest project news and community benefits.
KARARA WIND FARM
ACCIONA Energia is currently investigating options to develop the Karara Wind Farm after purchasing the project from CleanCo in 2024.
Karara Wind Farm is now being developed by our team as part of the broader MacIntyre Wind Precinct.
GENERAL INFORMATION
- Location: Approximately 50 kms west of Warwick, 12 km south of Karara in Queensland, in the Goondiwindi local government area
- Capacity: 103 MW
- Turbines: Up to 18 turbines
- Timeline: The project is in development with construction proposed to commence in 2026.
Karara Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
- ACCIONA Energía is currently developing the Karara Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
- The site for the Karara BESS has been strategically selected as it is directly adjacent to Powerlink’s existing MacIntyre Intermediation Switching Station (MISS) and overhead transmission line. This will enable an optimal and efficient point of interconnection and minimise the need for additional transmission line cabling or transmission towers. Additionally, the proposed BESS has been designed to occupy existing cleared areas. By locating the BESS in an area with existing similar infrastructure and limited vegetation, we minimise environmental impacts and preserve surrounding amenity.
- The BESS site is on the same land parcel as the approved but not constructed Karara Wind Farm.
GENERAL INFORMATION
- Location: Approximately 50 kms west of Warwick, 12 km south of Karara in Queensland, in the Goondiwindi local government area
- Capacity: 400MW/2 hr storage duration (800MWh)
- Timeline: The project is in development, with the Development Application being lodged in late 2024. Construction is proposed to commence in early 2026.
GET INVOLVED
Visit our online community hub, where you can ask questions and give us feedback about the project.
Planning Assessment Report & State Approval Documentation
To view ACCIONA Energía's planning documentation relating to the MacIntyre Wind Farm Precinct, please visit the Queensland Government's Planning website here. Please enter the search code: 2010-19438 SDA to view all documentation.
Our community engagement initiatives
LOCAL COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE
| CEC Member | Location | |
|---|---|---|
Bruce McLeish, Chair | Karara | |
David Bartlett | Gore | |
Trudi Bartlett | Toowoomba | |
Lloyd Hilton | Karara | |
Susie Kelly | Goondiwindi | |
Graham Parker | Stanthorpe | |
Joel Richters | Goondiwindi | joelrichters@me.com |
Liz Bourne | Stanthorpe |
The MacIntyre CEC provides a forum for open dialogue between the company and representatives of the local community; and stakeholder groups on issues and opportunities directly relating to the wind farm project. The role of the committee member is voluntary and provides an opportunity for communication about the MacIntyre Wind Farm. If you would like to raise any matters with a CEC member, please contact one of the members listed.
Our Opportunities
Employment Opportunities
There are many roles that will be available through all stages of the project – from the planning, through to construction and operations phases.
Our employment section is the best place to look for specific vacancies as they become available. If you don’t see a suitable vacancy to apply at this time, we encourage you to upload your CV.
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