Business owners in Merriwa and Cassilis may be able to benefit from economic advantages if the construction and operation of a wind farm in the west is approved.
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A Development Application of state significance is currently on exhibition to develop the Liverpool Range Wind Farm which will consist of up to 288 wind turbines, with 56 of these to be located in the Upper Hunter Shire near Cassilis.
The $1.7 billion farm is estimated to span about 50,000 hectares and generate 864mw of renewable energy based on a 3mw turbine.
The proponent, Epuron Pty Ltd, has submitted an application to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment with plans to start the wind farm next year.
The closest turbine is about four kilometres from the township of Cassilis, however each of the four councils – Warrumbungle, Upper Hunter, Liverpool Plains and Mid-Western Regional – have been actively involved in ensuring the farms don’t negatively impact the region.
According to Upper Hunter Shire Council economic development and tourism manager Sean Constable, who is a representative on the Epuron Community Consultative Committee, the feedback to the wind farm has been positive in the western area as people can see the economic benefits during the construction stages and ongoing employment opportunities when the operation is up and running.
The council has coordinated meetings in Merriwa and Coolah which saw a positive response and eagerness of local business owners to take part.
Further consultation meetings are to be held in the future, including an open day at the Cassilis Bowling Club on Tuesday, September 9 from 11am to 6pm.
“We are trying to coordinate meetings so the project can benefit local businesses, such as earthmoving, concreting and fabrication companies, if we can.
“Due to the size of the project, we’re aiming to get a few businesses to work together as a critical mass to work on the project,” he said.
Mr Constable said another positive element of the project is discussions surrounding a Community Enhancement Fund to support other external projects and give back to local communities within the four council regions.
To date, many landholders are involved in the project as it has been in the pipeline for the past four years.
The Development Appli-cation and Environmental Impact Statement are available for viewing on the Epuron website - www.epuron.com.au - and the Department of Planning and Environment website - www.planning.nsw. gov.au until October 1.
Community members can make a submission on the proposed project to the department until this date.
