By Jeremy Cook
Plans to construct up to 60 wind turbines in the Goomburra Vallley region, east of Allora, have been canned, the renewables company behind the proposal has confirmed.
In correspondence with Queensland Energy Minister Mick de Brenni, a spokesperson for Victorian renewable energy company Wind Prospect confirmed the group had abandoned plans for a wind farm development near Allora.
“Wind Prospect has no intention of investigating this area further”, the spokesperson said.
“As part of our standard practice, Wind Prospect has conducted preliminary enquiries with several landowners in the Allora area as part of an initial scoping phase.
“This process is essential as we explore potential locations throughout Queensland to host renewable energy projects to help Australia reach its clean energy targets.
“Wind Prospect is committed to following a thorough and transparent process in evaluating various locations.
“Early communication and engagement with local communities, landowners and stakeholders are an integral part of this process.”
The company’s statement came more than a month after residents and farmers in the surrounding region condemned the company’s plans at a community meeting held in Allora.
The meeting had been called after several landholders east of Allora reported approaches from representatives of Wind Prospect with offers to build wind turbines on their properties.
In response to questions asked by Southern Downs MP James Listerin state parliament, Mr de Brenni said his department had “no record of any dealings with Wind Prospect”.
A spokesman for the Department of Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works told Warwick Stanthorpe Today last month the company had approached SARA, the State Assessment and Referral Agency, for initial information on the development process, but hadn’t lodged any applications.
