Monday 12 March 2012

OK for Woorndoo wind farm

www.standard.net.au
5 Mar 2012

WORK on Woorndoo's Salt Creek wind farm will begin today after Moyne Shire Council's unanimous decision to endorse NewEn Australia's plans last week. NewEn Australia director Ernst Wey-hausen welcomed the council decision to support the 15-turbine wind farm. "At NewEn Australia we believe passionately in working with the community and we endeavour to create positive outcomes whenever possible", he said. "While there is a great deal of local support for the wind farm, there is one family living nearby with concerns. We are willing to remove some of our turbines near their houses to create a better outcome for all involved, provided that council will accept such an amendment to the planning permit".

Mr Weyhausen said NewEn Australia has committed to working with the council and the nearby family so the final number of turbines could be reduce to as few as 10. "With new technology available we can source more efficient turbines, which would enable the wind farm to produce its projected output of 29.9 MW from as few as 10 turbines instead of 15. It's a win-win for all parties concerned", he said. Mr Weyhausen said works on the project would begin this morning in order to satisfy the requirements of the planning permit.

"We have invested considerable time and finances in this project and are very excited that works will finally begin", he said. "There were 47 conditions and more than 150 sub-conditions in the planning permit which we've been working with the Moyne Shire Council and associated referral agencies to satisfy. We are very much looking forward to commencing early works on Monday". The director said the Salt Creek wind farm was unique, as it had an onsite quarry. "It is because of this we anticipate the project will have a reduced impact on the local road network, as much of the material is likely to be sourced from the quarry", he said.

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