Delays slow wind farm

Plains Producer
Thursday 14/6/2007 Page: 13

Developers of a proposed $250 million windfarm at Waterloo have been granted a second 12-month extension. Roaring 40s Renewable Energy told council it had already spent about $3 million on planning and development. Project manager, David Mounter, said the extension had been sought due to delays in renewing agreements with landowners, data collection, site assessment, seeking supply and installation quotes, progressing permit conditions and discussions with local crane operators.

Council environmental services manager, Rob Veitch, said council was happy to grant a further extension considering Roaring 40s Renewable Energy was addressing a number of requirements such as upgrading local roads before beginning the project. Long term spin-offs for the region included employment of between 50 and 100 people during the 12 month construction period,employment for maintenance workers for the expected 20 to 25-year life of the wind farm, lease payments to local landholders and an estimated $18 million injection to the local economy through provision of goods and services.