Wind farm planning application

Ararat Advertiser
21/09/2007 Page: 1

Crowlands - Pacific Hydro today announced that strong community and local government support had encouraged the submission of a planning application for the Crowlands Wind Farm. Following State Government notification, the planning- application will now be on statutory display for six weeks.

Pacific Hydro executive manager, Andrew Richards, today affirmed the role of the community as an essential element in Pacific Hydro's process. "Input from the local and surrounding community has been important right from the beginning." he said. "Not only did the community name the project, their input has been combined with results from specialist studies undertaken to inform the design of the wind farm. "We would also like to thank the Pyrenees Shire for their support and we look forward to continuing our positive relationship with them into the future."

The site for the Crowlands Wind Farm is located in the Pyrenees Shire, approximately 25 kilometres north-east of Ararat, along the ridge-top between Crowlands and Glenlofty. The area consists of cleared grazing land with a low density population. Despite being located on ridgetops, the topography of the site means that there are very few locations in and around Crowlands where it is possible to get a full view of the wind farm. "While parts of the wind farm will be visible from Crowlands and the nearby town of Landsborough, experts tell us it won't be visible from Elmhurst at all." Mr Richards said.

The planning application seeks approval for a maximum of 75, 2.3 megawatt (MW) wind generators. At this maximum size, the wind farm would produce 430 gigawatt hours (GWh) of zero emission electricity each year. This is equivalent to the annual power needs of 80.000 Victorian households, or the combined needs of Ballarat and Bendigo. The planning application will be on statutory display for six weeks (commencing today) in a number of locations around the site. During this time the community is encouraged to read the application or the summary document and make a submission. "The planning process allows for the community to have their say about the project." Mr Richards said. "Community can make a submission about the proposal by writing to Planning Panels Victoria. This ensures the opportunity to address the panel and put forward your views about the proposed project."