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Introduction
A devastating workplace accident has claimed the life of a 27-year-old man at one of Australia’s largest renewable energy projects. The incident occurred at Clarke Creek Wind Farm in central Queensland, prompting a full site shutdown and a multi-agency investigation.
The tragedy marks a sombre moment for an industry lauded for its environmental impact, but now under scrutiny for worksite safety.
Details of the Incident
According to initial statements, the incident took place late in the morning and involved a piece of heavy machinery. Despite emergency treatment at the site, the worker could not be saved.
Goldwind, one of the project’s investors, confirmed the involvement of machinery and offered condolences: “Despite being treated by emergency services on site, the worker was unfortunately unable to be saved.”
Squadron Energy, the primary operator of the site, suspended all work immediately. “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,” the company said. The victim’s family has been notified and is being supported.
Regulatory Actions and Findings
Police have launched a formal investigation into the incident, with Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) personnel now on site to assess compliance and determine causality. WHSQ’s presence suggests a broader review of safety protocols surrounding machinery operation at the wind farm.
Neither company has disclosed the specific equipment involved, pending ongoing assessments.
Broader Implications
While the renewable energy sector is not traditionally associated with high fatality rates, this incident underscores the dangers present in large-scale infrastructure projects—especially in remote regions where access to emergency medical care may be delayed.
Clarke Creek is a marquee development in Australia’s green energy roadmap and is backed by billionaire Andrew Forrest. With dozens of turbines and heavy construction equipment on site, workplace hazards remain a critical consideration.
Union officials and safety advocates are likely to watch this case closely, particularly in light of recent scrutiny around worker protections in large-scale construction and mining operations.
Company Response
In separate statements, both Goldwind and Squadron Energy expressed condolences and a commitment to supporting the affected workers and the deceased’s family.
“We would like to acknowledge and thank the colleagues and first responders who responded to this tragedy,” Squadron Energy stated. No further details have been made public regarding the duration of the site suspension or future safety reviews.
Facility Details
Located northwest of Rockhampton, Clarke Creek Wind Farm is positioned to become one of the largest wind farms in the southern hemisphere. The project is part of Queensland’s push toward clean energy independence and includes contributions from major investors including Goldwind and Andrew Forrest’s Squadron Energy.
The multi-phase project covers thousands of hectares and includes large-scale wind turbine installations, substation development, and associated heavy equipment operations.
Conclusion
As Australia transitions toward a greener energy future, this tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder: worker safety must remain paramount. With investigations now underway, the focus shifts to identifying root causes and ensuring such a loss never occurs again—on this site or any other.