June 29, 2011
Australia

Wind farm begins impact studies

ABC Western Plains, www.abc.net.au 29 June 2011

The proponent of a wind farm near Mudgee says it will conduct studies over the next few months into the impact of the project.

Wind Prospect, wants to spend $300 million to build up to 110 turbines at Pyramul between Mudgee and Bathurst over the next few months.

Head of Development, Ed Mounsey, says the company will conduct visual and sound impact studies before preparing an environmental assessment and planning application.

“We’re at the stage now of commissioning those pieces of work and they will be carried out over the next three to four months in preparation for an environmental assessment and planning application to be submitted to the department of planning,” he said.

“Timing of that would be towards late this year, more likely early next year.”

He says the impact on the chosen site is likely to be low

“This is a great example of a project that is realitively isolated compared to others that have been taken into the planning system and may be more controversial.

“It does come down to site selection but at the same time trying to balance the available resources across the state.”

The company says it will work with tenderers to ensure jobs from the 300-hundred-million-dollar project go to local people.

“It ranges from people that can provide earthmoving equipment, people that can provide fencing services, environmental services, even down to accommodation in the area,” Mr Mounsey said.

“We’ll collate a full list so when, hopefully post consent, we can go out to tender and provide that list to the tenderring parties and they can include local content.”

The company is holding an open day at the Pyramul Hall on July 13.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/06/29/wind-farm-begins-impact-studies/