Acciona has won approval to build the $1.96 billion MacIntyre Wind Farm Precinct at Cement Mills in Queensland’s Southern Downs region.

Deputy Premier and Planning Minister Steven Miles said the project – involving two windfarms – had received the green light from the State Assessment and Referral Agency.

The approval clears the way for the 1026MW MacIntyre Wind Farm Precinct to move to the next stage of development, with construction expected to start in the second half of 2021.

Featuring 162 turbines, ACCIONA will develop the MacIntyre Wind Farm in partnership with Ark Energy Corporation, a subsidiary of Sun Metals refinery operator Korea Zinc.

The project – about 40km south-west of Warwick – will also involve government corporation CleanCo.

It will own and operate Karara Wind Farm, which will house 18 turbines capable of producing up to 103 megawatts of power, within the precinct.

Mr Miles said Acciona expected its local spend during construction to exceed $500 million, which was great news for the Southern Downs, Goondiwindi, and Toowoomba communities.

“Once operational the MacIntyre Wind Farm Precinct is expected to generate enough renewable electricity to supply about 700,000 Queensland homes,” he said.

“The MacIntyre Wind Farm Precinct is set to provide up to 400 local jobs during construction, with an additional 240 jobs for the construction of the 64km transmission line, and 14 fulltime jobs once in operation.”

Related: Korea Zinc backs Queensland wind farm

Acciona managing director for energy in Australia Brett Wickham said the 36,000ha MacIntyre project represented the company’s largest ever wind farm.

“We are excited to be moving forward with this project and are proud to support the Queensland Government’s decarbonisation strategy,” he said.

Work package details on ICN Gateway

Local suppliers and contractors interested in being involved in the project are urged to register through the ICN Gateway HERE.

Listings are open for work packages including civil works, electrical, professional services and establishment of temporary construction facilities.

The ICN Gateway page for MacIntyre Wind Farm lists project components as including:

• Wind turbines – 180 machines, with steel towers.
• Substations – up to three substations, with compound areas of around 140 x 180m and  each holding one power transformer.
• Access tracks – Approximately 200km of access tracks may be required for the project.
• Electrical cabling – underground and overhead electrical cabling up to 250km at 33kV.
• Overhead transmission line – 64km of new 330kV transmission line.
• Temporary construction compounds – car parking, storage facilities, site office, amenities, etc.
• Permanent site facilities – including a maintenance and control facility, met masts, etc.
• Public road upgrades.