April 22, 2011
Australia

$1.3 billion windfarm proposed for region

Darren Snyder, Mudgee Guardian, www.mudgeeguardian.com.au 22 April 2011Darren Snyder, Mudgee Guardian, www.mudgeeguardian.com.au 22 April 2011

By 2015 the Mid-Western region could be producing enough power from coal mines and wind farms to supply over 10 million Australian homes.

The figures come after plans for a $1.3 billion wind farm between Wellington, Mudgee and Gulgong were announced late Tuesday afternoon.

The company behind the recently proposed Crudine Ridge Wind Farm, Wind Prospect CWP, has submitted a preliminary environmental assessment to the NSW Department of Planning for a project known as Uungula Wind Farm.

If successful in the development process, plans suggest the wind farm will operate north of Lake Burrendong, across two separate areas covering 29 private properties and in operation by 2015.

Wind Prospect CWP Head of Development, Ed Mounsey, said he was pleased the development phase was underway.

“Our early announcement of this project is to ensure we engage thoroughly with the community and I welcome the opportunity to discuss the proposal with broader stakeholders,” he said.

There are still some land holders in the area to be contacted about the wind farm proposal which is set to include over 300 wind turbines, generating over 1500 gigawatt hours per year.

Estimates suggest 250 jobs will be created for the construction phase and 40 full time jobs during the operation of the wind farm.

Like the Crudine Ridge development, a website will be set up for Uungula Wind Farm with up-to-date information on the process.

“[Online] Stakeholders can learn more about Wind Prospect CWP, the proposed wind farm and typical stages in the development process,” Mr Mounsey said.

“Each website will be maintained throughout the duration of the project with key events, milestones and newsletters uploaded as the proposal develops.

“Importantly, we also have a ‘Have Your Say’ space on the website for community members to put their opinion across.”

A third wind farm near Coolah and Cassilis was also announced recently to be developed by Epuron.

The Liverpool Range Wind Farm is estimated to employ 200 people during construction and 20 during operation and spread 40km east-west and 50km north-south.

Including 550 turbines, the Liverpool Range Wind Farm would provide over 4000 gigawatts hours of electricity to 525,000 homes.

Although coal is often exported overseas, projections suggest enough fuel for electricity to supply 10 million homes annually by 2015 would be generated from the Mid-Western region alone.

The statistic is based on the four major coal mines and the two new wind farms being at full production capacity.