Employment
Based on our extensive experience and studies completed for similar projects, the Prairie Wind Farm is expected to generate an average of around 150 full-time jobs during construction. This will peak at around 240 full-time jobs during periods of increased construction activity.
Due to the size of the project and the specialist skills required, a significant proportion of the construction workforce is likely to come from the broader North Queensland region, including Townsville.
We will gather local feedback to understand the preferred way of housing out-of-town workers during construction. Our focus will be on minimising disruption to local businesses and the community, and a solution may include using established accommodation in Hughenden, in addition to a temporary remote accommodation camp near the project site.
We estimate the project will provide 10 to 15 permanent full-time jobs during its operational life, with as many of these jobs as possible based in the Prairie community.
Supply and contracting opportunties
Windlab has a proven track record of unlocking opportunities for regional businesses. During the development of the Kennedy Energy Park near Hughenden, Windlab spent around $20 million in the region on a wide range of goods and services, including equipment hire, materials, labour, food and accommodation.
As we progress through the development process, we will consult broadly to understand local business capacity and interest in local supply and contracting opportunities.
Community investment and regional development
We’re committed to building a lasting positive project legacy by investing in sustainable community initiatives that improve liveability for locals. We will also focus on building partnerships with stakeholders to support meaningful and targeted development opportunities that contribute to the positive growth and prosperity of regional and rural North Queensland.
