Western Downs Regional Council has announced that Shell Australia, subsidiary of multi-national oil giant Royal Dutch Shell, has set its sights in it’s region for the development of a 250MW solar farm at Woleebee, near Wandoan.
Council has approved the development of Delga Solar Farm, located 25 kilometres south-west of Wandoan, making it the eighth solar project approved in the Western Downs;
The project is expected to employ anywhere between 500 and 800 staff during construction, with an operational workforce of up to 10 fulltime staff; and will covering 400 hectares of land.
Once constructed the solar farm will be able to connect into the nearby Powerlink Wandoan South substation allowing the energy generated to connect into the national energy grid.
Mayor Paul McVeigh said Shell Australia’s solar farm project is further cementing the Western Downs as a leader in renewable energy production in Australia and internationally.
“We’ve fully embraced the future of renewables and energy production in our region, and we welcome the proposal of Shell Australia onto the solar energy scene in the Western Downs,” Cr McVeigh said.
“This interest from a leading multi-national energy company to invest in renewable energy in our region is a great boost to the Western Downs’ already impressive energy portfolio.
“The Shell Australia solar farm project will bring many benefits to our communities and has the potential to value-add to our existing resource industries and experienced network of supply chain businesses in the region.
“This project marks the eighth solar farm approved by Council, demonstrating our goal to become the Energy Capital of Australia.
The project will now wait to receive final financial approval by Shell Australia.
Helen Walker
Helen is the Toowoomba-based journalist who loves nothing better than covering anything horse sport related, however she covers all commodities and personality yarns. Over the years she has lived in Brisbane, Rockhampton, Longreach and Roma filing stories for the 'bible of the bush'. Contact 0459 827414.
Helen is the Toowoomba-based journalist who loves nothing better than covering anything horse sport related, however she covers all commodities and personality yarns. Over the years she has lived in Brisbane, Rockhampton, Longreach and Roma filing stories for the 'bible of the bush'. Contact 0459 827414.
