Monday 26 March 2007

Windfarm seeks to employ locals

Ararat Advertiser
Friday 23/3/2007 Page: 15

GLENTHOMPSON - Developers of the proposed Oaklands Hill Wind Farm have urged Glenthompson and district residents to register now for employment during construction of the facility. Joint developers Investec Bank (Australia) Ltd and Windlab Systems Pty Ltd expect more than 60 jobs to be created during the 12-18 month design and construction phase.

With the planning permit application expected to be lodged with the Department of Sustainability and Environment by April, the developers want to ensure local residents are given the first option when it comes to supplying skills and resources. Investec Bank and joint venture spokesman Mark Headland urged anyone with skills that might be useful during the design and construction stage and with relevant resources such as earth moving equipment, gravel etc, to register with the company.

"Anyone with pertinent skills should email us at enquiries@oaklandshillwindfarm.com.au with a brief summary of the services and skills they have to offer." Mr Headland said. "The names and skill base will be included in a database to be provided to the company that will eventually be selected to design and construct the wind farm."

The multi-million dollar wind farm, incorporating 43 turbines will make a major contribution to Victoria's green house gas reductions cutting carbon dioxide emissions by around 364,000 tonnes a year while producing enough power to service approximately 52,000 homes. The proposed wind farm, which will produce about 280,000 megawatt hours of electricity annually, will provide an economic boost for the Western District during the construction phase and through ongoing land access payments.

The developers have undertaken extensive wind, flora and fauna, noise and geographical studies of the area and an extensive consultation process ahead of applying for the planning permit with the hope that turbine construction will start in 2008 and the wind farm will be commissioned in the first quarter of 2009.

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