Archer wind farm 'viable'

Cooktown Local News
Wednesday 13/6/2007 Page: 3

THE introduction of renewable energy targets in Queensland has made the proposed Archer Point wind farm commercially viable. Proponent Wind Power Queensland has welcomed the State Government's June 3 announcement of its ClimateSmart 2050 strategy, which includes a 10 per cent renewable and low-emission energy target by 2020.

"This is the first time that a Mandatory Renewable Energy Target has been set for electricity generation specifically in Queensland," said Wind Power's managing director, Lloyd Stumer. "This target now allows the wind farm to be commercially viable." But the exact timing for the commissioning of the $220 million project was "still very dependent on detailed planning approvals processes and the construction and delivery of turbines", he said.

Access to a deepwater port would be required to deliver the infrastructure to the rugged area. "(We) are still hopeful that it is possible to get the first turbines operational by the end of next year but do acknowledge that is a tight schedule," Mr Stumer said. He said an initial public meeting would be held "as soon as the scheduling of the project becomes more certain". The proposed farm - which at 60 turbines would be triple the size of Ravenshoe's and able to power 60,000 homes - has been 17 years in planning. During last August's handover of national park and indigenous land, the State reserved a 2300ha seaward tract for two years of wind farm feasibility investigations.

The Cook Shire Council also negotiated for a 1970s deepwater port site, and last month the council resolved to invite the Ports Corporation of Queensland and State Development Minister John Mickel to town to discuss Archer Point development proposals. Support for the project has come from indigenous groups, the State, conservationists and the council - although Mayor Bob Sullivan has said public debate would be needed about locating a wind farm in an area renowned for its scenic value.

Australian Conservation Foundation president Ian Lowe has dubbed Archer Point one of the best sites in Australia for a wind farm. Mr Stumer said emissions from electricity production accounted for about 30 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in Queensland. "The Archer Point wind farm will play a significant early role in the reduction of greenhouse emissions, as well as providing a more secure electricity supply for Far North Queensland," he said. The project would need to come before the council for approval and be subject to public comment unless it was declared significant and called in by State or Federal ministers.