New farm could generate 180 megawatts and power 120,000 homes

A green light has been given to the $350 million wind farm on the Banana Range, which will be capable of generating 180 megawatts, sufficient to power about 120,000 homes via 50 turbines.

The project will be undertaken by Orange Creek Energy Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Brisbane-based renewable energy company Lacour Energy whose director is singing its praises.

"We estimate there will be an injection of $30-40 million into the regional economy during the construction through the employment of local contractors and service providers," James Townsend said.

He said the wind farm would be strategically placed in an area known for high wind activity and with proximity to an existing high voltage 132-kilovolt transmission line able to provide connections to the power network.

"The onsite powerline and excellent wind resource mean that the project can supply competitively priced electricity," Mr Townsend said.

"The area is known for its strong night time winds which is when the wind farm will produce the most energy and this means the project is very complementary to the daytime energy from rooftop solar and the solar farms that have recently been built in Queensland."

Queensland's Minister for Energy Dr Anthony Lynham said the Banana Range project would add to other renewable projects and place further downward pressure on electricity prices and take Queensland closer to its renewables target of 50 per cent by 2030.

Minister for Planning Cameron Dick said there would be employment for 150 workers during the construction phase and up to 15 ongoing jobs once building is complete.

Construction will begin in 2020 and take approximately 24 months. The new farm is not expected to impact on the lifespan of existing generators.