The proposed Gelliondale Wind Farm will distribute up to $240,000 each year through a local Community Benefit Program.
Adam Gray, managing director of Synergy Wind, which is developing the wind farm, has announced that the farm would host a maximum of 13 wind turbines with a maximum tip height of 210 metres.
The approximately 80MW wind farm would have the capacity to power 37,000 homes with clean renewable energy each year.
“This represents an annual carbon dioxide reduction of 320,000 tonnes,” Mr Gray said.
“The project will create about 50 jobs during construction and 10 ongoing positions.”
The project is being developed by Synergy Wind with support from RWE Renewables Australia, the fourth largest renewable energy generator in the world with 9.5GW of renewable energy assets worldwide.
As part of the development process Gelliondale Wind Farm is seeking feedback and information to assist with the development of a Community Benefit Program.
Early responses to a community survey have shown that developing local industry and employment is a “high priority” for more than 80 per cent of residents.
Other priorities include upgrade of local infrastructure and support for tourism, environmental issues and support for programs directed at local youth and the elderly.
Gelliondale Wind Farm recently opened an information centre in Yarram at 310 Commercial Road.
“Members of the Gelliondale Wind Farm team are available to discuss the project and respond to questions on Thursdays from 1.00 pm to 6.00 pm or by appointment,” Mr Gray said.
A specific wind farm noise information session and simulation presentation is scheduled to be delivered by Marshall Day Acoustics on Thursday 9 March at 11.00 am at the information centre at Yarram.
Mr Gray said that feedback was still being sought through the survey and Gelliondale Wind Farm is awarding 13 random survey participants a $200 EFTPOS gift card in appreciation and acknowledgement of the time members of the local community have spent in responding.
“The prizes will be drawn at random, and every participant who has provided their contact details on the survey, whether they oppose or support the project, is equally eligible to win one of the prizes,” he said.
Survey submissions close on 17 February.
Mr Gray said access to the surveys was available via the QR code on display at the information centre and information sheets distributed throughout the local community or via the website at gelliondalewind.com/public-opinion-survey
For further information about Gelliondale Wind Farm or to make contact visit: gelliondalewind.com
Media contact for further information:
Adam Gray
E: adam.gray@exceed-energy.com.au
T: 0438 418 103