Wind turbines drive farm communities

Adelaide Advertiser
Tuesday 6/3/2007 Page: 4

WIND power is behind an economic boom in the state's Mid North, which is reaping millions for local drought - affected communities. The first turbine at AGL's wind farm at Hallett is about to be switched on and 44 others are under construction.

In one of the worst years for local farmers in history, construction of the $230 million project has provided communities with a much needed alternative source of income. By the time the project is completed in March 2008, an estimated $10 million would have spent in the community on accommodation, goods, services and wages.

Thirty locals are employed at the 14km-long site on Brown Hill ridge, between Hallett and Jamestown, including Jamestown resident Steve Wiles. The construction rigger said it was the first time in 10 years that he had been able to be employed at home as there had not been enough work in the area.

"There's not much work around here for people like me and I have been going to Roxby Downs and Moomba," he said. "My wife and kids are here so now I can actually be around for them. "It's the best thing for the community... everyone I've talked to is really happy about them improving the community and its nice and clean to have." AGL has leased grazing land on seven properties for the next 20 years, providing a stable annual income for farmers in one of SA's most marginal areas.

Mid North Regional Development Board chief executive Colin Rawnsley said the on-site workforce would grow further as more turbines are constructed. as well as jobs for companies in the region.

"We are aware of one local firm in Jamestown that has got some maintenance work out of it and are increasing their workforce and upsizing because of that and that will hopefully create possibilities of other contracts once they get into that area," he said. "It's certainly helping out those businesses that would normally rely on the farm income.

"In a small place like Hallett, people will get some benefit out of it who normally in these tough times wouldn't be getting that income." Project manager Peter Reed said the wind farm would be the largest in Australia in terms of electricity production, generating 94MW of green power.

It would be enough to power at least 60,000 homes. The first turbine will be tested by overseas experts in the next three months before it is connected to the national electricity grid. Once completed eight full-time jobs will be created at the site.