Residents give strong support to Glenthompson wind farm plan

Hamilton Spectator
Saturday 10/3/2007 Page: 3

DEVELOPERS of a $180 million wind farm near Glenthompson are delighted with the strong support by Glenthompson and district residents for the project. More than 100 people attended a community open day regarding the proposed Oaklands Hill wind farm, a few kilometres south of Glenthompson.

Developers, Investec Bank and Windlab Systems, say most people who perused the displays and discussed the proposal in detail with the developers and the experts who had conducted many of the studies, were enthusiastic about the project, claiming it could be just the boost the town needs.

"From those that did attend, we generally received a very strong feeling of support for the project," the joint venture spokesman, Mark Headland, said. "Where concerns were raised these were discussed and a follow up action plan is being developed." The displays included an overall description of the planned wind farm, maps showing the location of the 43 turbines, flora, fauna, noise and shadow studies and photographs comparing the landscape as it is now and with the turbines installed.

Mr Headland was delighted that residents had learnt first-hand about the wind farm. "We were extremely grateful for the support of the Glenthompson Progress Association whose aid was instrumental in making the day a success." The wind farm, being proposed by Investec Bank (Australia) Limited and Windlab Systems Pty Ltd, will make a major contribution to Victoria's greenhouse gas reductions, cutting carbon dioxide by around 364,000 tonnes a year (the equivalent of planting around 540,000 trees) while producing enough power to service up to 52,000 homes.

Mr Headland said the farm would provide up to 60 jobs during the construction phase, with millions of dollars of potential opportunities for local employment and industry during the 12-18 month design and construction phase.

The developers plan to lodge a planning permit application with the Department of Sustainability and Environment by April with the hope that construction will start in 2008 and commissioning in the first quarter of 2009.