A $100-MILLION wind farm at Warracknabeal is in the works after a proposal by Victorian-based developer WestWind Energy.
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The project will join existing wind farms in the region at Kiata and Ararat, along with a planned farm at Murra Warra.
WestWind Energy managing director Tobias Geiger said the wind farm would be on about 610 hectares of cropping land.
“The development will consist of up to 15 turbines with an installed capacity of approximately 50 megawatts,’’ he said.
“This will provide power for about 30,000 Victorian homes annually and reduce yearly carbon dioxide emissions by more than 175,000 tonnes.”
WestWind started monitoring the wind resource in the area in early 2017.
Communications and stakeholder engagement manager Paige Ricci said there was many things the company looked for when deciding locations.
“We look for good wind resources, a supportive community and landowners and a grid connection,” she said.
Ms Ricci said the company had been door-knocking people in the community to talk to them about the project.
There will also be an information day on December 8.
Ms Ricci said the project had received good support so far.
She said other wind farms in the region meant people were more open to the idea.
“People already know what to expect from these projects,” she said.
“Anything that promotes environmental sustainability and jobs is welcome in the community.”
Ms Ricci said there was also good support from the landholders involved.
WestWind hopes to lodge a planning permit application by the end of this year.
Mr Geiger said, if approved, the project would bring economic benefits to the region once construction started.
“During construction about 30 people will be employed by the project,” he said.
“Two people will then be required to operate the wind farm for its 25-year life cycle.
“Once operational, a community fund will also be established to provide annual financial support of up to $15,000 a year for a range of initiatives, projects and events that benefit communities around the wind farm.”
The information session will be at the Warracknabeal Town Hall from 7.30am.