$300 million wind nod

Warrnambool Standard
Friday 13/6/2008 Page: 3

A $300 MILLION wind farm can be built near Port Fairy after winning the support of the State Government. The Ryan Corner project comprises 68 wind turbines to be built on land adjoining the Hamilton-Port Fairy Road, about 12 kilometres north-west of the town. Planning Minister Justin Madden has written to the Moyne Shire to reveal that he intends to approve the project.

Proponent TME Australia claims the development will create about 60 full-time jobs during its construction, and a further eight once the wind farm is operating. The 121.5-metre-high turbines will be placed on an area about 3600 hectares, which is currently used for grazing. The company states the wind farm will have a low visual impact on the Princes Highway and surrounding towns like Port Fairy, Yambuk and Orford.

Moyne Shire Council approved the project last year. With its combination of wind and open space, the shire is a key target of wind farm developers, with nine projects at various stages of planning. Mayor Ken Gale told The Standard yesterday that he welcomed the Government's imminent backing of Ryan Corner. "I think it is good that we are willing to look at and support alternative sources of energy," Cr Gale said.

TME Australia is also planning a massive wind farm project at Darlington, near Mortlake. The 150-turbine wind farm would be the most powerful in Australia. It also has projects in the pipeline at Hawkesdale and Berrybank, near Lismore.