December 20, 2012
Australia

Plan for Low Head wind farm

Nick Clark | December 20, 2012 | www.themercury.com.au

A prominent grazier and private forester is proposing a 12-turbine wind farm at Low Head in the North.

Peter Downie’s company, Low Head Wind Farm Pty Ltd, will seek to generate 30 megawatts of electricity from the farm on the coast between Bell Buoy Beach and Beechford.

The proposal comes amid a rash of proposed wind farm projects, including a $2 billion proposal by Hydro Tasmania on King Island and a suggestion for a 100 turbine farm on the site of the Gunns pulp mill at Long Reach in the Tamar Valley.

Mr Downie said the project would supply enough renewable energy to run every household within the George Town Council area. “It would be equivalent to removing approximately 12,000 tonnes per annum of CO2 emissions or planting approximately 800,000 trees,” he said.

Community liaison officer Madeleine Skerritt said the developers would lease land from farmers for the $60 million project.

The company aimed to get approvals and then work out how to finance the development, she said.

Mr Downie said that in addition to the potential opportunities for local businesses to provide goods, services and labour during construction and operation, Low Head Wind Farm Pty Ltd was committed to improving the quality of life within the community.

A community fund will be established and managed by a committee of volunteer local residents, with annual contributions from the wind farm operator. Consultation with the community has occurred over the past 18 months and included informal discussions, letter box drops, an information day, presentations and a trip to the Woolnorth wind farm.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/12/20/plan-for-low-head-wind-farm/