Victoria attracts another wind farm proposal

Melbourne-based renewables developer Synergy Wind has revealed plans to build a 34 turbine wind farm at Alberton, Victoria’s south-east.

The project, which is in the very early stages, is just the latest in a volley of wind projects to be proposed for the state, including the massive 800MW affair that is awaiting approval for development in the Golden Plains Shire, by German-backed outfit WestWind Energy.

Synergy Wind’s proposed project, while much smaller, promises to generated jobs in the state, and boost the local economy, while also would supplying 460GWh of electricity a year – enough to power more than 45,000 Victorian homes.

“We estimate that during construction the Alberton Wind Farm will generate around 115 jobs
during construction and contribute around $2.8 million to the local economy, which will be spent
in local shops, businesses and services,” said project manager, Coralie Spitzner.

Around 12 long-term jobs were expected to remain over the life of the project, Spitzer said.

“Landowners who host turbines on their properties will receive yearly, drought-proof lease payments, making a welcome contribution to farm revenue with little to no impact on farm operations or living,” she said.

The company says it also plans to establish a community fund, made up of $80,000 of grants each year, to support local sporting teams, community groups and events.

So far, the project is in the process of formal environmental assessments at state and federal levels,
and will lodge an application for planning permit by the end of August 2017.