Crowlands wind farm gets green light  

Credit:  By Benjamin Preiss, The Courier, www.thecourier.com.au 18 August 2010 ~~

The state government has approved planning permits for a new wind farm about 25km north east of Ararat.

The Crowlands wind farm will include up to 72 generators which can produce enough energy to power 80,000 homes.

Planning Minister Justin Madden said the decision to approve the permits was based on a community consultation with residents, Ararat Rural City Council, Pyrenees Shire Council and the developer.

Mr Madden said he accepted the recommendations of

an independent panel regarding ”environmental, amenity and cultural matters”.

”The panel’s advice was that the potential greenhouse gas reductions and the economic benefits far outweigh any potential adverse impact,” he said.