A CONTROVERSIAL wind farm proposed for Flyers Creek, near Blayney, has won support from the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure.
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The department’s recommendation for the wind farm to go ahead comes almost 12 months later than expected, and flies in the face of concerted community opposition.
The plan is not across the line yet, though, with final approval required from the Planning Assessment Commission.
Infigen Energy first proposed the wind farm in 2008 following meetings with local landholders, Blayney Shire Council and other stakeholders.
It plans to erect 43 wind turbines on a site 20 kilometres south of Orange.
Neighbouring property owners vehemently opposed the wind farm, citing health and noise concerns and potential impact on local flora and fauna; but, in its assessment report yesterday, the department downplayed those concerns.
“The department considers the project to be justified and in the public interest and the department therefore recommends that the Planning Assessment Commission ... determine to approve the project,” the report said.
Infigen Energy senior development manager Jonathan Upson said the department’s recommendation was a great vote of confidence in the wind farm, and came after a comprehensive assessment of the proposal.
Also celebrating yesterday were supporters of the Central NSW Renewable Energy Co-operative (CENREC), a community alliance that has been formed with the intention of investing in one of the Flyers Creek turbines.
Chairman Dr Patrick Bradbery said Flyers Creek offered the first opportunity for a local community in Australia to own its own share of a commercially-operated wind farm.
“The CENREC co-operative model of community ownership of a regional power resource means that our community is poised to take up a share in this significant development,” Dr Bradbery said.
“The benefits flowing to the local community from community ownership of a wind farm turbine will be three-fold: economic, social and environmental.”
Investment in the project can start as low as $1000 and it’s hoped members will be rewarded with competitive rates of return once the turbines are operating.
Bathurst Regional councillor Jess Jennings, also a CENREC member, said yesterday’s departmental support provided a “golden opportunity” for the Central West to develop a sustainable renewable energy future.
“The value is not only in having our own supply source but also the employment and infrastructure during the construction phase,” he said.
If it goes ahead, the Flyers Creek Wind Farm will have a capacity of 129 megawatts, generating enough energy to power about 50,000 homes.
