WIND energy developer RES Australia has hosted a number of successful information sessions across Horsham Rural City and Yarriambiack on Monday and Tuesday.
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The information sessions were designed to inform the region about a proposed wind farm at Murra Warra, about 25 kilometres north of Horsham.
The wind farm will sit on the borderline of two municipalities, Yarriambiack and Horsham Rural City.
The Murra Warra Wind Farm is set to have 117 turbines on 4250 hectares of land.
Construction would see about 250 people employed directly on site, with about 350 additional supporting roles in the region.
On completion, there will be 15 full-time equivalent jobs at the wind farm.
RES Australia development project manager Kevin Garthwaite said the first of the three sessions, at the Horsham Town Hall on Monday, saw a number of people come along to hear about the proposal.
“We’ve had loads of people,” he said.
“It’s been very positive.
“People have got questions and concerns.
“But most people seem to be supportive of the project.”
Mr Garthwaite outlined the positive aspects of the project for the Wimmera.
“It will bring economic benefits,” he said.
“It can be another feature for the region.
“The region has always been known for agriculture and now it can be known for energy production as well.”
The company had an independent study done on the project.
Mr Garthwaite said the results revealed the project had the potential to bring $65 million in economic benefits to the region in 25 years.
RES Australia representatives have already done a door knock and spoken to landholders in a three to five kilometre vicinity of the proposed wind farm.
Horsham Mayor Heather Phillips said the project would be a big win for the region.
“There are lots of short term jobs and a smaller number of long term jobs,” she said.
Yarriambiack Mayor Ray Kingston said he hoped the project would go ahead.
“It’s about as big as projects get around here,” he said.
Mr Garthwaite said there would be more information sessions in about four to five weeks for anyone with further questions or who were not able to make the March sessions.
