MORE wind is blowing into the Balranald region as a turbine farm – that could power up to 470,000 homes – is on the cards.
Early consultation for the Australian-owned Windlab project will investigate the area, including its potential end location between Yanga Way and Balranald Road, about 15km from Balranald.
And Balranald and Kyalite residents are invited to give their feedback on the proposed project.
Renewable energy companies have already flocked to soak up the sun with the nearby Sunraysia Solar Farm and the Limondale solar projects.
The former is owned by Australian-Chinese company Maoneng Group while the latter is operated by German company Innogy.
Now Windlab hope to harness the breeze using local technology and science from the CSIRO.
A wind farm will give the region an opportunity to diversify the local economy and industry in a way that is compatible with existing agricultural activities, meaning farming can continue around the turbines.
And the project is keen to give back to its regional hub, said Windlab Head of Development Dr Nathan Steggel.
“Windlab prides itself on developing top performing projects that provide genuine regional benefits,” Dr Steggel said.
“We look forward to engaging with the Balranald and Murray River communities and wish to explore ways of providing local benefits and opportunities,” he said.
New owners of the historical Kyalite pub Joel Butcher and Jodie Soraggi are already keen.
“In my newly appointed role as Kyalite Progress Association present, I suggest township improvements,” Mr Butcher said.
And it is safe to say that Mr Butcher and Ms Soraggi see a lot of potential in this project.
They both identified benefits including “clean energy and the investment in the local community”, while Ms Soraggi said job creation would be another positive.
Other locals are encouraged to share what they value and want in the community via an online survey: https://www.windlab.com/our-projects/burrawong-wind-farm/
Windlab will also be holding drop-in sessions – one on Wednesday, July 21, at the CWA rooms in Market Street, Balranald, from 3pm-7pm.
The other session will take place on Thursday, July 22, at the Kyalite Pub and Caravan Park, from 9am-1pm.
Hard copies of the survey will also be made available from the Balranald Shire Offices, 70 Market Street Balranald; Moulamein Business Centre, Morago Street, Moulamein; and the Kyalite Pub, Talbot Road, Kyalite.
In addition to drop-in sessions, Windlab will be visiting the Balranald and Kyalite area.
The feedback received will help Windlab understand the community and progress the development of this project which promises to bring the winds of change to our part of the world.
