Ararat backs energy target

The Wimmera Mail-Times, Page: 8
Friday, 21 July 2006

THE Wimmera could benefit from a State Government introduction of a mandatory renewable energy scheme. The State Government has introduced the scheme where electricity retailers must gather at least 10 per cent of their power from renewable energy sources by 2016.Ararat Rural City Council chief executive Bill Braithwaite welcomed the State Government's introduction of the Victorian Renewable Energy Target scheme. He described the scheme as a 'step in the right direction'.

Mr Braithwaite said the city would now sit down with government officials and renewable energy companies to discuss the impact of the legislation and any opportunities for further regional development. Ararat is home to the Challicum Hills wind farm. The farm's owner Pacific Hydro also welcomed the State Government's decision. Spokeswoman Emily Wood said the company was pleased with the decision but did not have any current plans to further develop Challicum.

"But we've got several other projects in Victoria under development and this announcement certainly supports those plans," she said. But Ms Wood said the company still faced tough legislation in order to develop wind farm projects in Victoria."This new legislation will not change any of the processes or the current stringent requirements," she said."We will also continue to be involved in community consultation.

"A multi-million dollar wind farm is also set to go ahead after the State Government introduced the scheme. Acciona Energy, a division of the Spanish Acciona Group, announcedthis week it would start construction on the $400-million project at Waubra, north of Ballarat. The managing director of the company's Australasian operations Brett Thomas said the decision was a direct result of the State Government's introduction of a Victorian Renewable Energy Target scheme. Mr Thomas said the scheme ensured the company's investment in renewable energy.

'"The announcement of the Victorian Renewable Energy Target by the State Government has given us the confidence to commit $50 million to commence construction of the 200-megawatt wind farm," he said. Mr Thomas said the project would provide jobs to Waubra and surrounding districts during the wind farm's construction set to begin in September. He said construction would take two years. Mr Thomas said the company would also now consider other developments in Victoria.