A PROPOSED $662 million, 116-turbine wind farm at Murra Warra, 25 kilometres north of Horsham, has gained planning approval.
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Horsham businesses would become a major source of services and goods for the project and its workers according to an economic benefit assessment.
Victorian Planning Minister Richard Wynne said the proposal was supported by the community with no objections received when the application was advertised for consultation.
Renewable Energy Systems will operate the Murra Warra project and is in the process of building a 75-turbine wind farm near Ararat.
Renewable Energy Systems project manager Kevin Garthwaite the planning permit was fantastic news,
“We are really grateful to local councils, the Wimmera Development Association, local farmers and the community for the tremendous support they have given to the project over the past few years and we are really looking forward taking it forward to completion,” he said.
Renewable Energy Systems stated that wind farm would produce 420 megawatts of generation when completed, enough to power 250,000 Victorian households and save over 1.3 million tonnes of greenhouse gasses per year.
The project’s economic benefits assessment stated that the construction phase will create 235 direct and 375 indirect jobs.
Once operational, the wind warm will sustain 15 direct and 45 indirect jobs.
Horsham and nearby towns are set for an economic boost if the project goes ahead.
“The major regional city of Horsham will underpin most of the project needs in view of its significant supply of accommodation, trade supplies and transport services, retail services, entertainment and so on,” the benefit assessment stated.
“The nearby towns of Warracknabeal, Dimboola and Minyip would also be expected to provide project support services.”
Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford welcomed the planning permit.
“This is a win for Western Victoria and a win for the environment. This is the type of clean energy investment the Andrews Labor Government is proud to support,” she said.
According the plan, the highest tip of the blades will reach 220 metres off the ground.
The site will include 75km of internal track and local road improvements and a temporary on site quarry to reduce heavy vehicle movement on local roads
There will also be a terminal station to connect to the 220 kilovolt grid network.
Renewable Energy Systems has stated that most internal cabling will be underground however there could potentially be up to 15km of overhead line within the wind farm.