Australian wind farm developer, WestWind Energy, a leading renewable energy company, has announced the proposed development of a wind farm northwest of Cobar.
The newly proposed Cobar Energy Park project will feature up to 30 cutting-edge wind turbines that are set to power around 130,000 homes.
WestWind Energy’s Chief Development Officer Maria Brauer said the Cobar Energy Park will play a pivotal role in addressing the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.
“By harnessing the power of wind, this renewable energy facility is projected to save a staggering 487,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, further contributing to the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship and will significantly reduce the region’s carbon footprint,” Ms Brauer said.
WestWind Energy, the project developer, is dedicated to engaging and collaborating with the local community throughout the development process.
WestWind Energy will be hosting an information Open Day.
The Open Day will allow residents and interested individuals to meet some of the WestWind team to learn more about the wind farm project, its environmental benefits, and the potential long-term positive impacts for the local community.
The Open Day will also provide a platform for constructive dialogue and serve as an early avenue for WestWind Energy to address any concerns or queries from the community.
Ms Brauer said recognising the importance of community partnerships and shared benefits, WestWind Energy is committed to establishing a community benefit fund in consultation with local community members.
“Once operational, a community fund will be established to share the financial benefits of the project.
“Each year, the project will pay $2,500 per constructed turbine into the community benefit fund,” Ms Brauer said.
(For example, if 30 turbines are constructed, $75,000 per annum will be available to the community to access from the community fund.)
This community fund is for a range of benefit schemes including community-based initiatives, projects and events that benefit local communities around the wind farm.
The fund will target a range of community needs including health and social welfare, safety, environment, education and youth, sport and recreation, culture, arts and economic development.
Ms Brauer said WestWind Energy was excited about the prospects of the proposed Cobar Energy Park and its potential to transform the region’s energy landscape.
By bringing sustainable and renewable energy solutions to Cobar, the company is contributing to the global effort to combat climate change while providing clean and affordable electricity to thousands of homes.
For more information about the project and to stay updated on its progress, please visit WestWind Energy’s website at www.w-wind.com.au
WestWind has previously been involved in three wind farm projects in Central Highlands of Victoria: the Lal Lal Wind Farm has 60 turbines and was first approved in 2009 (and was sold in 2017 to Macquarie Capital); the Moorambool Wind Farm, approved in October 2010, has 104 turbines; and the Mt Mercer Wind Farm had 64 turbines and is now owned by the Foresight Group.
Their Bottle Tree Energy Park project, located near Roma (Queensland), is in the early feasibility stage and Normanville Energy Park (west of Kerang in Victoria) is in early planning stages and will have up to 17 turbines
