Coopers Gap Wind Farm – which will be one of Australia's largest wind farms upon completion in 2019 – is a great example of AGL's commitment to building a sustainable energy future for all Australians.

The second greenfield project developed by the Powering Australian Renewables Fund (PARF), the Coopers Gap Wind Farm will have a capacity of 453 MW and produce around 1,510,000 MWh of renewable energy – powering approximately 264,000 average Australian homes.

Location

Coopers Gap Wind Farm is 250 km north-west of Brisbane near Cooranga North, between Dalby and Kingaroy. The site is located on land that's mainly used for cattle grazing and other farming activities.

It will connect to a new Powerlink substation along the Western Downs to Halys 275 kV transmission line built by Powerlink.

View map: Coopers Gap Wind Farm

Latest News

On Thursday 17 August 2017, AGL announced it has reached financial close on the sale of Coopers Gap Wind Farm project to the Powering Australian Renewables Fund (PARF). Media release: AGL and PARF achieve financial close on Coopers Gap Wind Farm.

Overview
Community
Environment
Documents

In this section


Powering Australian Renewables Fund

AGL reached financial close on the sale of Coopers Gap Wind Farm to the Powering Australian Renewables Fund (PARF) in August, 2017.

AGL anticipates the total development investment associated with the Coopers Gap project will be approximately $850 million, funded through a combination of PARF partners’ equity and a lending group comprising Westpac Banking Corporation, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Societe Generale, DBS Bank, Mizuho Bank and ABN Amro.

The $22 million sale of the project into PARF includes AGL writing a power purchase agreement at a bundled (i.e. including both electricity and associated renewable energy certificates) offtake price of less than $60/MWh (real) for an initial five years. There is a put/call option to extend for the following five years at the same or lower price. AGL expects to recognise nil profit on sale from the transaction.

Project delivery and construction

Following the financial close on the sale of the project to PARF, construction proceeded on Coopers Gap Wind Farm with substation earthworks in September 2017. It is expected that the project will be completed by the second half of 2019.

GE and civil engineering construction company CATCON have won the major contract to develop and build the wind farm. They will be responsible for:

  • supply, transportation, erection, fit-out and commissioning of 123 wind generation turbines
  • design and construction of turbine foundations, internal road and hardstand network, and electrical reticulation system
  • external road upgrades
  • construction of an Operations and Maintenance Facility

Significant progress was made by GE CATCON on the construction of the earth platform for the Powerlink substation. The first half of the area was handed over to Powerlink prior to Christmas and the remaining half will be completed in the next week/fortnight. Subsequently, Powerlink will then commence construction of the substation. The upcoming GE CATCON activities in the next two months include the establishment of a bigger compound for the construction site offices, erection of meteorological masts and commencement of the wind farm access tracks.

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News

Community newsletters about the project are also available:


FAQs

Why is AGL building a wind farm around the Western Downs and South Burnett communities?

The project is located in an area with consistent wind, a strong electricity grid and local community support. The addition of renewable generation aligns with state and federal renewable energy targets.

How many jobs will be created?

During construction of the wind farm, up to 200 people will be employed. Once constructed, it's expected that 15 to 20 permanent full-time employees will be required.

How do I apply for a job at the wind farm?

GE CATCON welcome expressions of interest and capability statements from suppliers and prospective employees. Learn more

What is the level of investment?

AGL anticipates the total development investment associated with the Coopers Gap project will be approximately $850 million.

How big are the turbines?

At their highest point, the blade tips will be 180m above ground level. Each blade is about 70m long. And each turbine will have the capacity to produce either 3.6 MW or 3.8 MW of power.

How big is the Coopers Gap Wind Farm?

The Coopers Gap Wind Farm will incorporate 123 wind turbines, access tracks, hardstands, electrical reticulation system, electrical connection works and associated infrastructure. Located on 10 properties, it will have a generating capacity of 453 MW.

Why do we need more wind farms?

Australia’s electricity generation fleet is transitioning to create a more sustainable energy future. Large scale wind and solar generation will play a large part in this transition.

When will Coopers Gap Wind Farm become operational?

The project is currently on track to become operational in the second half of 2019.

How will the project affect the environment?

During construction, there will be minor impact on the environment. Please refer to the Environmental Impact Study under the 'Environment' section on this page for more information.

How will the community be kept informed of progress?

AGL will keep the local community updated throughout the construction process. Please refer to 'Community' section on this page for more information.

Community Complaints and Enquiries

If you would like to enquire or make a complaint about Coopers Gap Wind Farm, please feel free to contact us via the following channels:

AGL Community Complaints & Enquiries Hotline: 1800 039 600
Email: AGLCommunity@agl.com.au
Mail: AGL Community Complaints & Enquiries, Locked Bag 1837, St Leonards NSW 2065

You can find out more about how AGL engages with the community here and access the Community Complaints and Feedback Policy here.

In this section


Overview

As a long-term owner operator of wind farms, AGL is committed to being a valued member of the local community. We will develop constructive working relationships and communication channels with the community in order to build community trust and pride in the Coopers Gap wind farm. The project will contribute to a more sustainable future through the supply of renewable energy to the wider community.

A Ground Breaking Ceremony to commemorate the works was held on Wednesday 7 February. The ceremony was attended by new Energy Minister Lynham. AGL General Manager Power Development, Dave Johnson, spoke at parliament house on 15 February for a TSBE event.


Community engagement

Our goal is to build community trust and pride in the Coopers Gap Wind Farm. To do this, we are developing constructive working relationships and open communication channels within the community.

As a first step, we have set up a Coopers Gap Wind Farm Community Consultative Committee (CCC). Through this committee – which meets periodically – any community issues or concerns can be appropriately addressed; and the local community can work directly with the AGL project team.

The CCC is voluntary. Members include stakeholders and community representatives who have an interest in or connection to the project. If you are not a member, you are welcome to attend meetings and, if time permits, ask questions at the end.

The CCC is guided by these terms of reference. You can review archived agendas, minutes and presentations from the CCC in the document tab above.

Next Meeting is scheduled for Thursday 31 May 2018, from 1pm at Cooranga North Memorial Hall.

For detailed studies on wind farms and health, please see the document tab above.

Community fund

Second round of Community Funding now closed.

AGL is committed to making a sustainable and positive contribution in the communities which we operate. This includes the Queensland regions South Burnett and Western Downs.

Applications for the third round of funding is scheduled to commence in September 2018. The Community Fund targets a range of community needs including; health, social welfare, safety, environment, education and youth, sport, recreation, culture, arts and economic development.

More information

For more information please contact Clare Wilkes on 0435 918 441 or email AGLCommunity@agl.com.au

Business forums

Meet the Constructor – Coopers Gap Wind Farm Project events were held on 25 and 26 October 2017.

These events bought together local businesses, job seekers and senior project representatives from AGL, GE and CATCON. They covered the range of materials, goods and services that will need to be procured during the construction phase of the Coopers Gap Wind Farm Project.

GE CATCON continues to welcome expressions of interest and capability statements. Please submit your expression of interest to coopersGapWF@catcon.com.au or send your resume to hr@catcon.com.au.

Opportunities for work on the project can also be found on the ICN Gateway.

Environmental impact study

The Stage 1 Environmental Impact Statement was approved by the Office of the Coordinator-General (OCG) on 1 March 2017. Development Permit for a Material Change of Use (MCU) for Stage 1 was received on 24 May 2017 and Stage 2 on 12 June 2017.

Approval related documents

Environment

Environmental Impact Study Executive Summary
Environmental Impact Study - Volume 1
Environmental Impact Study - Volume 2
Environmental Impact Study - Volume 3
Approved related documents

Community Consultative Committee

Agendas
Minutes
Presentation
Reference documents

Wind Farm and Health

Project Specific Studies
General Information