New wind farm for region

Ararat Advertiser
Tuesday 20/2/2007 Page: 4

GLENTHOMPSON - A multimillion dollar wind farm is being planned for the Glenthompson area.

The proposed Oaklands Hill Wind Farm, three kilometres south of Glenthompson, will provide up to 60 jobs with millions of dollars of potential opportunities for local employment and industry during the 12-18 month design and construction phase. More than 40 wind towers will be erected in the project.

Private investment bank Investec Bank (Australia) Ltd and Windlab Systems Pty Ltd, set up by former CSIRO Wind Energy Research Unit staff, have joined forces to develop the wind farm.

Research undertaken by Windlab Systems has identified the Oaklands Hill Wind Farm site as one of the best locations for a wind farm in inland Victoria, registering wind speeds usually associated with coastal areas.

With a one-to-one consultation process with all neighbouring property holders and municipal representatives starting mid-February, Investec Bank and joint venture spokesman Mark Headland said Victoria's electricity generation was responsible for more than 50 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in Victoria.

"This wind farm will be a clean, emissions free source of generation which will reduce Victoria's carbon dioxide emissions," he said. "So, while the people of Glenthompson will feel the immediate economic benefits, Oaklands Hill Wind Farm will ultimately benefit all Victorians.

"In addition, during construction of the wind farm we will make available $50,000 to be spent on local projects. At this time we will work with the Shire council to identify opportunities to use this money to benefit the Glenthompson community.

"Detailed studies into impact on flora and fauna, the landscape, visual impact and noise have been undertaken as a part of initial planning. Once these studies and the consultation process have been completed a development application will be lodged for consideration by the Minister for Planning. It is intended that on-site construction will start in 2008 with the aim of commissioning the wind farm by the first quarter of 2009.

A public open day for the project will be held at the Glenthompson War Memorial Hall between 10am and 4pm on Saturday, March 3.

For more information about the proposal visit www.oaklandshillwindfarm.com.au