General News
25 November, 2024
Buloke Shire Council locals await details on surprise wind farm plans
A new wind farm has been proposed for the northern Wimmera.
New renewable energy projects are springing up along the planned route of the VNI West power line.
Energy companies say they have been holding back on their plans until the route was finalised.
Their wind and solar farms need access to the national grid which they say VNI West would provide.
The refined route of the controversial 240km power line was released late last month after years in the planning.
It is proposed to be built in the next few years.
Residents on the border of the Wimmera and Mallee have been surprised in the past week to learn ACEN Australia is planning to build a "large-scale" wind farm between Donald, Birchip and Wycheproof.
It is to be called Corack East Wind to be located on privately owned land.
Corack is located on the Donald-Swan Hill Road
Meetings will be held next week to inform residents of the wind farm plans in the Buloke Shire.
Meetings will be held at the Wycheproof Public Hall on Tuesday, November 26, the Soldiers Memorial Hall in Donald on Wednesday, November 27 and the Birchip Public Hall on Tuesday, December 3. All are between 11am-6pm.
ACN Australia says its new wind farm project is in its early developmental stages.
"ACEN Australia is investigating opportunities to connect Corack East Wind to the proposed VNI West interconnector being developed by Transmission Company Victoria," the company said.
"Pending project approval, construction is proposed to begin in 2029, to align with delivery of VNI West."
RES Australia has already unveiled plans to build a large wind farm deeper into the Mallee at Cannie, about 25km west of Kerang.
The proposed project would involve about 17,870 hectares (44,158 acres) of farmland with the landowners asked to host 174 wind turbines.
RES says landowners within the wind farm boundary have already "entered into preliminary agreements to host the wind farm".
"The project will commence construction mid to late 2027, pending planning approval and the construction of the Victoria - NSW Interconnector West (VNI West) transmission project.".