Billionaire ‘Twiggy’ Forrest’s $1 Billion Wind Farm Opens in Central Queensland Amid Controversy and Tragedy
- A massive $1 billion wind farm, backed by billionaire Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest, has officially opened in central Queensland, despite controversy and a tragic workplace death.
- The Clarke Creek Wind Farm, located between Rockhampton and Mackay, boasts 100 towering turbines, each standing 207 metres tall, and has the capacity to power over 330,000 homes.
- But the project has been marred by the death of a 26-year-old worker, Nicholas Hohua, who died on site in July, and concerns over the impact on local wildlife and communities.
In a bold move, billionaire Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest has officially opened the Clarke Creek Wind Farm, a massive $1 billion project that has been three years in the making. The farm, located in central Queensland, boasts an impressive 100 wind turbines, each standing at an astonishing 207 metres tall.
But the project’s opening has been overshadowed by controversy and tragedy. In July, 26-year-old Nicholas Hohua, an employee of turbine-manufacturing company Goldwind, died on site, leaving behind a devastated family and a community in shock.
Despite the setbacks, Forrest remains committed to the project, which he believes will be a game-changer for renewable energy in Australia. “Capital is your major cost and then maintenance, and that is an unbeatable combination against oil, gas, fossil fuels,” he said.
The project has also faced criticism from local residents and politicians, who have raised concerns over the impact on wildlife and the environment. Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry has been a vocal opponent of the project, citing concerns over the destruction of natural habitats and the potential harm to koalas.
But Forrest’s company, Squadron Energy, has maintained that the project has been designed with the environment in mind. “There’s been a lot of misinformation out there, I can categorically say there have been no koalas harmed or killed on this project,” said Rob Wheals, chief executive of Squadron Energy.
The project’s opening comes at a time when the Queensland government has introduced new laws governing the approval of wind farm facilities. The laws, which came into effect in February and July, require public consultation and community benefit agreements with local councils, and allow for third-party appeals.
Despite the challenges, Forrest remains optimistic about the future of renewable energy in Australia. “We just reached agreement in principle with the federal government, they were easier to talk to,” he said. “If the deputy premier would like to return my office’s calls, he’d probably make some progress, but he’s been quiet ever since he issued that big, bold statement.”