Wind farms go-ahead tipped: Moyne councillors to vote tomorrow

Warrnambool Standard
Monday 7/5/2007 Page: 3

TWO more wind farms valued at $98 million are expected to be approved by Moyne Shire Council. Several wind energy companies have mooted plans to build turbines in south-west Victoria to produce clean energy to meet the State Government's alternative energy targets.

Moyne Shire planning officers are recommending that councillors approve wind projects proposed for land near Caramut and Woorndoo. The small-scale projects - proposed by New En Australia - include up to 15 turbines on each site.

Council documents show the Mortons Lane facility is set on about 1100ha of cleared agricultural land about 11km north-west of Caramut. The farm crosses Moyne and Southern Grampians shire boundaries. Moyne is set to collect $35,000 annually from the Morton Lane project in rates.

The second project on the Salt Creek Merino Stud will span across 750 hectares. This project on the Hexham-Woorndoo Road is expected to generate about $72,000 in rate revenue for Moyne Shire.

Both projects plan to connect into the Victorian electricity grid via existing overhead power lines. The projects, each 29.9 megawatts, fall below the State Government's jurisdiction and are the responsibility of Moyne Shire. Councillors will vote on the projects' future at a planning meeting tomorrow. The meeting will be held in the Port Fairy Yacht Club from 4.30pm.