Hallett Hill to create 150 jobs

Burra Broadcaster
Wednesday 14/11/2007 Page: 3

With the announcement of the new Hallett Hill Wind Farm, the mid north looks set to primarily benefit from the creation of approximately 150 new jobs during the construction period of the wind farm. Only 20 kilometres from the current wind farm at Brown Hill, construction on the Hallett Hill Wind Farm is expected to commence in January of next year. The 34 turbines will generate 71 megawatts of power, and will provide enough renewable energy to power 40,000 average Australian households.

Spread along the ridge line at Hallett Hill, this second wind farm for the region is expected to have a total development cost of $166 million. Although locals may not necessarily fill the 150 jobs, it is anticipated that the surrounding towns of Hallett will be positively impacted with the influx of workers coming to the area.

Michael Fraser, AGL managing director, said the wind farm is another step in "reinforcing the leadership position that AGL is taking in Australia's renewable energy sector." "AGL has put considerable work into building a renewable generation portfolio that will deliver substantial environmental and financial benefits in a future carbon constrained world," Mr Fraser said.

Local MP for Stuart, Graham Gunn, is enthused about another wind farm being constructed in the area. "It's going to provide employment as well as invest in the district, which is good for all concerned," Mr Gunn said. "In fact, I drove past the area on Sunday to see where the project will commence, and I think it's going to be great. "I'm very pleased they're building it in our area, as it is a good investment for the power industry and for the people of Hallett, Jamestown and Burra, and surrounding towns. "In regard to power, we have to go forwards and can't go backwards. Hallett Hill will enable us to do this." State Premier Mike Rann is another advocate for the new wind farm.

"This is an important step in tackling climate change and global warming," Mr Rann said. "It shows that South Australia continues to lead the nation in wind energy" Hallett Hill is renowned for having one of the best wind resources on mainland Australia, and its proximity to the Brown Hill wind farm is expected to provide significant opportunities for operating efficiency and synergy. "I think as far as wind farms go they won't get much more majestic than the ones we're building up at Hallett," Mr Fraser said.