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- A practical new program has launched to support producers and growers located in the Southern Downs and Goondiwindi regions understand and manage their on-farm energy consumption and at the same time, lower their carbon emissions.
Delivered by Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) and supported by ACCIONA Energía, the Energy Southern Queensland (EnergySQ) program is free for participating farms with the aim of identifying tangible ways they can achieve increased energy productivity and efficiencies while supporting environmental outcomes on farm.
“We’re proud to be supporting the QFF to help primary producers manage their energy use. The pressures faced by farmers have never been greater and by supporting this program we hope to assist farmers continue to play their vital role across Queensland,” said ACCIONA Energía Managing Director Brett Wickham.
The two-year program will enable QFF to work with between 100 and 150 farms during the project lifespan.
QFF CEO Jo Sheppard said rising input costs and disrupted supply chains continue to challenge farmers across the State and energy is a key line item for most farming enterprises.
“This program will support farmers across the Southern Downs and Goondiwindi Regional Council local government areas to identify ways in which they can become more efficient in their on-farm use of energy to save costs, improve productivity, and reduce emissions,” Ms Sheppard said.
ACCIONA Energía are currently building the MacIntyre Wind Precinct in the Southern Downs. The Precinct is the biggest wind farm in the southern hemisphere and will generate enough power for 700,000 homes from its 180 turbines. Supporting the EnergySQ program is part of the ACCIONA Energia’s overall social development plans to invest in the broader community around MacIntyre ensuring the benefits from the project are felt beyond those who are working on the project or hosting turbines.
“We know that farmers in the Southern Downs are doing it tough. From years of drought to heavy rains farmers are always watching their costs and keep themselves afloat. By supporting this program it’s another way we can give back into the community and support an industry that has been the foundation for the area for decades,” said Mr Wickham.
For more information about the program and to express interest in participating, visit https://www.qff.org.au/projects/energy-sq/
Producers and growers can also contact QFF’s energy team via email energysq@qff.org.au or phone 07 3837 4729.