Worker housing for $1.5b Queensland wind farm faces opposition

A proposed temporary accommodation village for workers constructing Queensland's $1.5 billion Tarong West Wind Farm is facing significant opposition from local residents and a prominent astronomer. The project, approved by the federal government and expected to generate enough energy for 230,000 homes annually, is slated to begin construction later this year.

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If this camp goes ahead, the lighting alone will be enough to close this observatory down.

UK-based energy company Renewable Energy Systems (RES) plans to build housing for up to 424 workers near Kumbia, but the proposed site is approximately 40 kilometers from the wind farm itself. This distance has drawn criticism from residents like Grant Arrell, whose property boundary would be just 110 meters from the proposed facility. Arrell stated, "The reality is, I think, the vast majority of the community are not against sensible development and sensible progress. But the progress has to make sense, the progress needs to be in the right areas."

Adding to the concerns is 79-year-old astronomer Dr. James Barclay, who fears the lighting from the proposed camp will be so intense it will force his observatory in Kingaroy to close. "If this camp goes ahead, the lighting alone will be enough to close this observatory down," Dr. Barclay said. He believes the camp's location, near Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen Airport outside Kingaroy, is inappropriate and zoned for community facilities, not large-scale worker accommodation.

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It's not what we signed up for.

The South Burnett Regional Council has suggested the aerodrome site, citing issues with water supply and road suitability at alternative locations closer to the wind farm. RES argues that the site's existing legacy infrastructure, such as plumbing and car parking, makes the development appropriate despite zoning concerns. The proposed camp would include 106 four-bedroom units, a canteen, gym, recreation room, and administration building. While the accommodation represents a $68 million investment, the council and residents are weighing this against the potential impact on the local community and environment.

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The reality is, I think, the vast majority of the community are not against sensible development and sensible progress. But the progress has to make sense, the progress needs to be in the right areas.