July start for wind farm

The Mid North Broadcaster, Page: 1
Thursday, 1 June 2006

Preliminary site investigation works at AGL's much-anticipated wind farm near Hallett will begin by the end of July, according to Suzlon Energy Australia which has the contract to design and build the wind farm. AGL's project manager Steven Oswald said the Brown Hill wind farm, with 45 turbines with a capacity of around 2.1MW each, would be capable of generating enough energy for the annual requirements of approximately 54,000 homes. "It's estimated that around 330 GWh of electricity will be generated each year," he said.

Mr Oswald said the wind farm will be positioned so that any potential impacts to the local community are minimised. Suzlon Energy Australia project manager Peter Reed said the preliminary site investigations will probably last around six weeks. "After that we will be putting in four test anchors and commencing work on access roads. By the end of July mobilisation of the civil crew will be complete with construction of the wind farm to start in earnest at the beginning of September.

Up to 30 people will be employed in civil works onsite until around June 2007, and another 10 will be employed for electrical wprk commencing in August this year. A further 25 people will be employed for haulage, crane work and erection of the towers which will also run until June 2007. Mr Reed said while full construction should be complete by the beginning of 2008, Suzlon Energy will continue to employ eight full-time maintenance and service workers at the wind farm. Accommodation operators Maureen and Barry Wright said they anticipate a boost to occupancy in Burra Heritage Cottages Tiver's Row, judging by past influx.

During the 18 month period of the Hallett Power Station construction in 2001/02, Mrs Wright said they had an approximate increase of 20%. She said it was good to hear construction of the wind farm was not far off. "It's very good news. We hope it will boost our summer occupancy," she said.