This potential project site was
identified in early 2003. A 50 metre mast with anemometers was erected
on the site in August 2003, to accurately measure the wind resource at
the site.
In May 2004 after some 9 months of wind data collection, the predicted
wind speeds supported progressing the site and an application for
Commonwealth EPBC approval was made to Environment Australia in
Canberra. The application followed detailed flora and fauna studies on
the proposed site. Environment Australia decided in June 2004 that the
Naroghid Wind Farm project was not a 'controlled action' meaning that
the proposed project was deemed not to have significant impact on
matters of national environmental significance protected under the EPBC
Act.
A 12 month review of wind data was undertaken in August 2004, the
analysis of which supported the commercial viability of the project. A
proposed wind farm design and layout was undertaken resulting in an
optimised layout of 22 wind turbine generators.
As part of Wind Farm Development's commitment to community consultation
a Community Open Day was held on 16th September 2004. The Open Day was
very well attended with over 80 people viewing the displays and
learning more about the proposed wind energy project. The attendees, by
and large, indicated strong support for the Naroghid Wind project and
the concept of renewable wind energy in general.
After the Open Day, the technical and environmental studies for the
Naroghid project were completed and a planning application was lodged
with the State government in early December, 2004. One turbine was
deleted from the project based on expert ecological advice resulting in
a 21 turbine project proposal. The Planning Application report
comprised over 500 pages including comprehensive studies of the
potential visual, noise, flora & fauna and economic impacts of the
proposed wind farm.
The Victorian Planning Minister notified Wind Farm Developments on
August 11, 2006 that a planning permit had been granted for the 21
turbine Naroghid Wind Farm project. A copy of the Minister's media
release can be accessed by clicking
here.
An 80m (hub height) wind monitoring mast has since been installed on
the site for further wind monitoring. Construction is expected to occur
in 2008/2009.
