Project Overview

The Project

Vestas proposes to construct and operate a new wind farm of approximately 110 wind turbines in the Wyaga area of the Darling Downs region of Queensland, approximately 300km west of Brisbane. The wind farm will have a combined capacity of approximately 700 megawatts (MW). The site of Harvest Wind Farm, (The Project) was chosen for its strong, consistent winds and flat landscape, which provide ideal conditions for wind energy generation.

The Project site covers approximately 40,000 hectares; however, only a very small proportion of this will be disturbed by turbines and associated infrastructure. The Project will also involve constructing the shortest possible transmission line easement to connect the wind farm to the existing transmission 330kV line running between Bulli Creek and Goondiwindi.

About Vestas

We design, manufacture, install and service onshore and offshore wind turbines across the globe. With more than 190 gigawatts (GW) of wind turbines in 88 countries, we have installed more wind power than anyone else.

Active in Australia for more than 30 years, Vestas has constructed and is operating more than 2,200 turbines across over 60 wind farms – about 6GW and 40% of Australia’s installed wind capacity.

Employing more than 750 employees across Australia and New Zealand, Vestas is funding the development and design of Harvest Wind. We are committed to supplying the wind turbines, managing project construction and providing long-term operation and maintenance services for the plant.

Project Status

The Harvest Wind Farm project is in the early stages of project development.

The team will be actively consulting with local community members and stakeholders about the project. The feedback received, in conjunction with the results of environmental assessments, will inform the final project design.

 

Project Timeline

 

  • Site identification and preliminary site investigations
    Including installation of wind monitoring equipment to measure wind speed in the proposed project area, and early engagement with landholders and other stakeholders.
  • Initial environmental studies
    Desktop studies to investigate potential ecological, cultural heritage, visual, and noise impacts. Results from these studies will inform the Project’s Development Application.
  • Community engagement commences
    Vestas is committed to working with landowners and the local community, listening to issues and addressing concerns as they arise. Vestas will engage constructively with local stakeholders including government.
  • Environmental studies
    Vestas will work with landholders on environmental studies, including ecological assesments, visual studies, and project design work.
  • Layout and design
    Site design and technical studies will commence.
  • Social Impact Assessment
    Vestas will commence the Social Impact Assessment process.
  • Federal Government approval
    Vestas will refer the Project to the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) to be reviewed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Protection Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999.
  • Development Application
    Vestas will lodge a Development Application with the Queensland State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) for assessment against State Code 23.
  • Grid connection
    Powerlink issues an offer to connect.
  • Construction (approximately 30 months)