QLD:Solar farm tender for Cloncurry

AAP General News (Australia)
04-20-2011
QLD:Solar farm tender for Cloncurry

By Petrina Berry

BRISBANE, April 20 AAP - The Queensland government is offering $5.7 million to any
company willing to build, own and operate a solar farm in the state's northwest.

A solar farm in Cloncurry, east of Mount Isa, has been on the cards for some years
and is part of the state government's push to make Queensland the solar state.

The proposal was put on hold after a Sydney-based energy company pulled out of the
development last year.

Energy Minister Stephen Robertson says the project is back on track and the government
is offering the $5.7 million incentive.

"We want industry to design, build, own and operate a solar farm with a life-span of
more than 20 years," Mr Robertson said.

"The quality and price of solar technology is moving rapidly so we will test the market
to find the most suitable solar system for the region."

The location and size of the farm has not been determined.

Expressions of interest close on May 25.

Cloncurry Mayor Andrew Daniels told ABC Radio the town's the perfect location for a solar farm.

"I'm really surprised, there's been companies from all over the world and they've really
enlightened me with what they can do with solar today," Mr Daniels said.

AAP peb/crh/dep

KEYWORD: CLONCURRY

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