Local enterprises are working with Vast Solar and partner Stanwell Corporation on the proposed Mount Isa clean energy plant.
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The ground-breaking $600m 50MW North West Queensland Hybrid Power Project is poised to boost the local economy by creating hundreds of jobs during its two-year construction phase and dozens of permanent, highly-skilled plant operator positions throughout its 30-year operational life.
The concentrated solar power solution is already tapping the expertise of local businesses with surveyor David Ericson recently completing the installation of survey monuments that underpin site construction activities.
"Ensuring a consistent and precise coordinates set is critical on projects of this sort. It's an exciting project to be a part of, and we're looking forward to it coming online to power Mount Isa," Mr Ericson said.
Owner of earthworks contracting business Bill's Backhoe Hire and proud Kalkadoon man, Bill Donovan, has hailed the project a big win for the region.
"We've worked to confirm the geotechnical conditions at the site of the solar power assets. However, that's just the beginning on a project like this, and we look forward to working with the team to deliver the NWQHPP," Mr Donovan said.
1300 Meteor Rentals owner David Addison is also seeing the benefit
"Whether its international film and TV productions or Australian companies that are delivering low-cost, clean energy to the region, it's major undertakings in Mount Isa and the surrounding region that help our vehicle rental business to thrive," Mr Addison said.
Craig Wood, Vast Solar's CEO said the early phases of the NWQHPP were successful in boosting the local economy and working with local talent.
"We are privileged to have the opportunity to work here in Mount Isa with excellent local contractors. What's exciting for us is that it only ramps up from here, " Mr Wood said.
"We are looking forward to being a significant contributor to the local economy, creating direct jobs during construction and operations at the plant and facilitating indirect jobs through the reliable, cheap, clean energy we generate."
Mayor Danielle Slade said projects like NWQHPP would bring jobs to Mount Isa and support the region's resources sector with low cost, clean, reliable power.
"They are crucial in our bid to acquire cheaper energy for the region and are necessary to maintain and expand local operations," Cr Slade said.
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