The Lotus Creek Wind Farm, developed by Ark Energy (formerly Epuron) has secured State and Federal approvals and been acquired by Vestas Development A/S. Leading wind turbine manufacturer Vestas has commenced pre-construction planning for the project and is targeting commencement of construction during 2023.

Following submission of the development application and required technical reports in December 2021, the project was granted development consent by the Queensland Government in May 2022. The ~$800 million project involves 55 wind turbines and associated infrastructure and is expected to create at least 300 jobs during construction and 15-30 ongoing jobs for operation.

There is huge opportunity for jobs and careers in the renewable energy sector, especially for civil workers, machine operators/drivers and trades/technicians. The Clean Energy Council has published a useful online careers guide that outlines job descriptions, required qualifications and transferable skills, career opportunities by technology and occupation, and career pathways.

In October the project was approved by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (the EPBC Act). Conditions specified in the approval include a clearing limit and gaining the Minister's approval prior to construction of offset plans that will provide a conservation gain, as well as various management plans and reporting requirements. The approval decision notice with final conditions is available on the Lotus Creek Wind Farm page (EPBC Number 2020/8867) on the EPBC Act Public Portal.

The project area is Barada Barna Peoples and Barada Kabalbara Yetimarala Peoples country. The project team have worked closely with the Traditional Owners and their representatives to ensure protection of cultural heritage sites within the project area and develop a land use agreement with meaningful benefits.

Download the Lotus Creek Wind Farm Update - December 2022