Construction has begun on the Palmer Wind Farm, more than a decade after the project was first proposed in 2014.
The 288-megawatt project between Palmer and Tungkillo is expected to create more than 200 construction jobs and generate enough renewable energy to power up to 142,000 South Australian homes.
The proposal attracted significant opposition, including a legal challenge involving former AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan and other groups with properties near the proposed development.
The Environment, Resources and Development Court approved the project in 2018 and the South Australian Supreme Court upheld that decision the following year.
Tilt Renewables subsequently redesigned the project, reducing the number of turbines from 114 to 40 while increasing their maximum height to 220 metres. Planning approval for the variation was granted in 2024.
A formal sod-turning ceremony has been held this week with South Australian Treasurer and Energy Minister Tom Koutsantonis.
Tilt Renewables chief development officer Laurent Francisci said it is great to finally break ground.
“Starting construction on such a large project is a great milestone to celebrate and is the culmination of what has been a truly collaborative effort over many years,” he said.
The company says the project will support regional suppliers as well as create more than 200 construction jobs.
Tilt also has a community benefit program, with funding already supporting new toilets at Palmer Primary School and upgrades to community halls in Palmer, Tungkillo and Mount Pleasant.
Francisci said the company wanted the project to have a long-term benefit for the region.
“Wherever we build or operate, we’re investing for the long term, working with our communities to support them now and into the future,” he said.
Tilt says more than $13 million will be available to neighbours, local communities and First Nations people over the project’s 30-plus-year life.
Construction is now underway, with Tilt also establishing a community consultative committee and monthly drop-in sessions during the build.
