Wind farm plan sparks unease in Proserpine cane community

The meeting comes as Alinta Energy seeks approval for up to 30 wind turbines near Proserpine, with growers questioning how the project could affect farming operations in the district.

CANEGROWERS Proserpine Chairman Glenn Clarke said while growers understood the need for renewable energy, they wanted to ensure their concerns were properly heard before any determination on planning approval.

“This isn’t about opposing renewable energy,” Mr Clarke said.

“But when a project of this scale is proposed in the middle of a productive farming district, growers have every right to understand what it means for their operations and their future.

“Construction traffic, access to haulage routes, aerial spraying, fire risk and the movement of large machinery are all real operational issues for farmers, and they need to be carefully worked through.”

Mr Clarke said the local sugar industry remained a major contributor to the regional economy and had supported communities across the Whitsunday region for generations.

“The cane industry around Proserpine supports local jobs, businesses and families, and it’s important that developments in the region recognise the role agriculture plays in sustaining these communities,” he said.

CANEGROWERS Chief Executive Officer Dan Galligan said the situation highlighted a broader issue around how large infrastructure projects were being planned in agricultural regions.

“Productive agricultural land cannot simply become the default location for major infrastructure projects,” Mr Galligan said.

“Agriculture is a foundation industry in regional Queensland, and protecting the long-term viability of farming regions must remain a priority.”

Mr Galligan said renewable projects needed to be located and designed in a way that allowed agriculture and energy generation to coexist.

“Projects need to be carefully planned so they don’t undermine the industries and communities that already exist in these regions,” he said.

CANEGROWERS will continue working with local growers and stakeholders to ensure the views of the agricultural sector are properly considered as discussions continue.