Moyne Gazette
Thursday 25/10/2007 Page: 4
TWO wind farms, each with 50 wind turbines, have been proposed for near Mortlake. Development studies and community consultation for the wind farms are being pursued by Acciona Energy, a world leader in renewable energy. Acciona Energy managing director Brett Thomas said the company was confident the wind farm would provide both environmental and community benefits. "Our proposal is to install approximately 50 wind turbines on each of two sites; one located 9.5 kilometres east of Mortlake and the other located five kilometres south of Mortlake," Mr Thomas said.
The wind farm would produce enough green electricity to power about 86,000 households. This would prevent about 390,000 to 450,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year. The company said it had completed an initial assessment of a range of factors covering energy production and transmission, environment and community; and the sites near Mortlake had the combined characteristics for viable wind farm development.
It is now undertaking detailed environmental studies including flora and fauna, cultural heritage, geology, landscape and visual effect to design the wind farm and prepare a planning application. The company hopes to lodge a Planning Permit Application for the wind farms at the end of this year. Mr Thomas said community consultation was an important part of the company's project. "A community information bulletin has been distributed in the local area and we are currently seeking feedback on the proposal from the local community," he said. As part of the community engagement activities, Acciona Energy has commissioned an independent telephone survey of people living near the proposed wind farm to gather information on community attitudes.
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