November 5, 2010
Australia

Wind farming on agenda

LISA GRIPLAS, Wellington Times, www.wellingtontimes.com.au 5 November 2010

With a proposed wind farm in the pipeline to be established at Bodangora, landholders are invited to attend a free forum later this month held by the NSW Government’s Renewable Energy Precinct program.

Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water director general Lisa Corbyn said the free public forum at Blayney was in response to interest from landowners across the local and neighbouring regions for more information about wind farming as an agricultural business.

Ms Corbyn said the Blayney forum was being organised by the Central Tablelands Renewable Energy Precinct covering nine local government areas including Wellington, Lithgow, Cowra and Mid Western City Council.

“Our precinct co-ordinators have been working closely with councils, industry and the community in their local regions for the past nine months,” Ms Corbyn said.

“We sense a high level of interest and a desire for more information. That’s why this forum is being held now.”

A spokesperson from Wellington Council yesterday confirmed initial discussions into a wind farm near Wellington had been made.

“Council can confirm that it has been approached by the applicant Infigen Energy for preliminary consultation in regards to the proposed wind farm at Bodangora,” the spokesperson said.

“However, this is classed as a major project and the assessment and public consultation will be handled by the NSW Department of Planning before the application is determined by the Minister for Planning.”

Infigen Energy is a specialist renewable energy business that owns and operates wind farms in Australia, the US, Germany and France.

A spokesman for Infigen Energy said the project was in the early stages of development with wind monitoring and the Environmental Assessment under way.

“Although the project will be assessed by the NSW Department of Planning the local Wellington Council has been informed and will be consulted with regularly as the project progresses,” the spokesman said.

The spokesperson outlined three main reasons why Bodangora was chosen as a suitable site for a wind farm, with the motives being the site is a good wind source, its proximity to the national electricity grid and the suitable terrain.

“As with the council, the broader community will also be consulted extensively as the project progresses.”

The free forum will be held at the Blayney Bowling Club on November 26 from 8.15am to 4pm.

Phone 0457 594 193

for further details with RSVPs appreciated by November 19.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2010/11/05/wind-farming-on-agenda/