Wednesday 27 June 2007

Turbines given approval

Maitland Mercury
Wednesday 27/6/2007 Page: 3

Dungog shire will soon be a little greener after the council approved a PowerServe/Green Power project that will see two wind turbines installed on a property about 4km west of Vacy. The turbines have a combined output of about 600kw of clean energy, which is equivalent to the energy needs of 185 houses a year according to manager of environmental services for Dungog Shire Council Terry Kavanagh.

"They're medium-sized turbines compared to today's standards," Mr Kavanagh said. "They have a tip height of about 45m" "This is a private development project that met the requirements of the development control program. "We have taken submissions and the concerns that were raised were met in the conditions of the development.

"We've recognised that this is something new to the area, there were a few issues to work out but it's nice to get the application through" Managing director of PowerServe Allen Dunlop is a big advocate of green initiatives. "I bought these two turbines in Holland. They are being dismantled now. "They have become available as people are putting large turbines up beside their house to help build their nest egg in retirement, as well as to help the larger climate change concern.

"The benefits of wind energy are incredible. It does not create pollution or consume natural resources. "Wind power is clean, renewable energy that is playing an increasingly important role in the sustainable energy debate, especially as policies to reduce greenhouse gases are adopted around the world." Mr Dunlop also owns the land on which the turbines will be constructed, and believes that the turbines will be a positive addition. "We can do the complete process ourselves. We can construct the powerlines, assemble the turbines and maintain the structures."

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