Goombi Energy Holdings—a partnership between LP Renewable Projects and TagEnergy—and Western Downs Regional Council have signed a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) for development of the Goombi Wind Farm in Queensland’s Western Downs region.
The agreement represents a shared commitment of $30 million over 35 years to ensure the economic and social benefits of the renewable energy project directly support and strengthen local communities, and is the first Community Benefit Agreement established in Queensland for a large-scale wind farm under the state’s new renewable energy planning framework.
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Under the agreement, Goombi Energy Holdings will deliver a structured program of community investment focused on long-term regional priorities including housing, skills development and local infrastructure improvements. This will provide consistent and reliable funding for local communities over the life of the project.
TagEnergy managing partner Australia Andrew Riggs said, “At TagEnergy we believe renewable energy projects should create real and enduring value for regional communities.
“Goombi Wind Farm will contribute significant new renewable energy capacity to Queensland’s electricity network while supporting long-term investment and opportunities for the Western Downs.”
The Goombi Wind Farm is expected to comprise up to 107 wind turbines with a capacity of up to 800MW—enough to generate clean energy to power approximately 400,000 Queensland homes and businesses each year.
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In addition to the wind farm, a large battery energy storage system (BESS) is also under development and will provide additional energy security and stability for the Western Downs region and Queensland’s electricity network.
