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A worker has died on a central Queensland wind farm after an incident on Wednesday, halting operations as investigation are launched.
Police were called about 11.35am to the Clarke Creek Wind Farm site in Mount Gardiner, about 120km north-west of Rockhampton, to find a 27-year-old had died at the worksite.
Officers deemed the death non-suspicious, but assisted Workplace Health and Safety Queensland in launching an investigation into the incident.
A 27-year-old worker has died at a central Queensland wind farm shortly before midday on Wednesday. Credit: Squadron Energy
Renewable energy giant Squadron Energy – which owns the 87-turbine wind farm – issued a statement on Wednesday evening thanking first responders and offering support for staff and the worker’s family.
“Our thoughts are with the worker’s family, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time,” the statement read.
“Safety is our top priority across all our sites, and the wellbeing of everyone on the Clarke Creek Wind Farm site is our immediate focus.”
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland said it was notified on Wednesday, and had sent investigators to the site that same day to begin inquiries.
Police expected to prepare a report for the coroner, but could not provide any details about the circumstances surrounding the 27-year-old’s death.
The Clarke Creek Wind Farm is expected to house 100 wind turbines when construction finishes, with 87 turbines already installed, of which 75 are operational.
The site also currently has 46 kilometres of overhead powerlines, and over 100 kilometres of underground wiring and infrastructure.
Squadron Energy is owned by Australian mining magnate Andrew Forrest, and operates five completed wind farms in New South Wales and Victoria, with a further dozen projects proposed or under construction, including the Clarke Creek site.
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