PROJECT BENEFITS
NEAR NEIGHBOUR BENEFITS
Near neighbours to the proposed site will be entitled to share in the financial rewards of the project, through our near neighbour program. These benefits will be available during both the construction phase and the operational life of the wind farm, which we estimate to be up to 35 years.
MORE RELIABLE ENERGY
Having a variety of different energy generation sources – spread across many different locations - helps create a more reliable power network. Especially when renewable power infrastructure is supported by large battery storage systems, like we’re proposing for Mount Challenger.
MORE COMMUNITY FUNDING
We’re committed to developing a community benefit scheme, which we expect will include a community benefit agreement with Whitsunday Regional Council. This scheme will take shape as we increase our engagement efforts and understand the needs of the communities surrounding the project area.
Wind energy helps mitigate the worst impacts of climate change. Recent research by Vestas on the sustainability of its wind turbines found that it takes less than eight months for its turbines to reach energy neutrality – the point where they generate the same amount of energy that was required to produce them. Turbines then produce clean electricity for their remaining 30+ year lifespan.
EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS
INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES
We’ll contribute to local infrastructure as part of the development of this project. Depending on stakeholder preferences, examples could include road upgrades, repurposing wind monitoring infrastructure to improve phone reception, or investing in local firefighting capability such as trucks or monitoring equipment.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Renewable energy projects – like our wind farms and their infrastructure - require skills in electricity generation and infrastructure. Some of this knowledge already exists in the region, which will provide ongoing opportunities for locals. And it will also attract new skills into the Whitsunday region to fill any gaps.