Arabic version: سكان كينغاروي يعارضون معسكر عمال مزرعة تارونغ للرياح

According to ABC News, residents in Kingaroy have objected to a proposed temporary workers’ camp for the approved $1.5 billion Tarong West Wind Farm, saying its location is unsuitable. UK-based Renewable Energy Systems plans housing for up to 424 construction workers near Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen Airport, about 40 kilometres from the project near Kumbia.

The wind farm has received federal approval and construction is expected to begin later this year. Once complete, the project could generate enough energy to power 230,000 homes annually. The proposed accommodation, however, still requires approval from South Burnett Regional Council.

The camp would include 106 four-bedroom demountable units, an industrial canteen, gym, recreation room, administration building and parking for every worker. Neighbour Grant Arrell said his property boundary would be about 110 metres from the development and argued the accommodation should be closer to the wind farm.

Astronomer James Barclay said lighting from the camp could force the closure of his Kingaroy observatory. He described the proposal as an “existential threat” to the facility. Other opponents have also said the land is zoned for community facilities and questioned placing a large accommodation site in the area.

The council said RES had examined locations nearer the wind farm, but water supply and road suitability issues led it to suggest the aerodrome site. RES said the $68 million accommodation project would direct $20 million to local businesses and was needed because the region had only about 100 rooms available for workers. The application is in public notification, with submissions due by August 7; the council said all accommodation would be removed after the wind farm is built.