Plans approved for wind farm

Mortlake Dispatch
17/05/2007 Page: 1

A planning permit has been issued for a $49 million wind farm in Woorndoo. Moyne Shire councillor Stan Cook said the permit was passed unanimously at a meeting last week and the project would now go on to the next stage. "We still have a way to go yet," he said. "This is the first stage of the process. "We don't know when construction will start; that is dependent on wind farm developers, NewEn." Mr Cook said more than 15 wind turbines will be built on a 750 hectare property on Woorndoo-Chatsworth Road.

He said the project will produce enough energy to power 17,257 homes. "It will also offset carbon emissions, to the equivalent of taking 27,000 cars off the road each year. "When the project goes ahead it will create 60 new jobs for nine months. "Some of those jobs will go to people in the area and it will also help local business because people will spend in nearby towns. "When the wind farm is finished it will create four full-time jobs." Mr Cook said council will eventually collect rate revenue from the wind farm."

Nothing will be collected until the project is up and running. "It will be a great development for the area." He said there had been some objections to the proposal in the past but they were based on things that could be overcome. "A couple of residents will be able to see the turbines in the distance. "We have a policy that wind farms have to be a certain distance from homes. "Some people also had concerns the turbines would cause noise at certain times." Councillor Brenda Hampson said there was potential for the wind farm to become a tourist attraction. "It is a project we have worked on for many years," she said.

Cr Hampson said because the wind farm would produce less than 30 megawatts of power the decision was left to Moyne Shire. "Anything over 30 megawatts has to go to the State Government and this is 29.9 megawatts." She said councillors had met with objectors and developers prior to the approval. "One of the objections was the impact on flora and fauna.

"The applicants will now prepare an environmental management plan." Mac's Hotel publican Tony McEwan said Mortlake had around 20 businesses and the increased employment could have a flow on effect for the town. "It may be a bit of a boost for Mortlake; the town needs it." he said. Mortlake IGA Friendly Grocer proprietor Marie Evans said Woorndoo was not part of a major tourist area and, as such, the turbines would not effect many homes. "Not many people live in Woorndoo," she said. "We have not heard anyone complain about the decision."