Visit our new website www.sidoniahills.roaring40s.com for the latest information on the proposed Sidonia Hills Wind Farm.

Background

Roaring 40s has been investigating the Sidonia Hills site since 2004, via the installation of an 80m monitoring mast, which records information about the local wind resource (speed and direction). These results, combined with recent increases in the level of support for the renewable energy industry, have encouraged us to progress with this important project.

Of course, the viability of a wind farm is based on more than just the wind resource and government regulation. The site also needs to be assessed to ensure that it is technically feasible and environmentally and socially sustainable. The results of the preliminary investigations make us confident that an environmentally sound wind farm can be developed on the Sidonia Hills site.

The site is particularly well suited to wind farming because, among other things:
•    The area is sparsely populated
•    The land has been modified and cleared for grazing
•    Transportation and grid connection options are available

The proposed site of the Sidonia Hills Wind Farm is located about 10 km north east of Kyneton in Victoria (see map). It comprises several privately owned land holdings that are used predominately for grazing. The proposed wind farm could comprise of 34 turbines, equating to approximately 68 MW of installed capacity. This would be enough green electricity to supply 33,000 households, with a total investment cost for the project in the order of $130 - $150 million. It is estimated that approximately 30% of this investment will flow to the national and regional economy as a result of tower manufacture, civil works, electrical works and engineering services.

Planning Permit Application and Environmental Assessment
In January 2008, Roaring 40s submitted an application to the Victorian Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) to determine if an Environmental Effects Statement (EES) would be required under the Environment Effects Act. In March, Justin Madden, Minister for Planning, announced that an EES was not required, as the project would have minimal impact on local fauna and flora. The determination also stated that potential effects on the landscape values and residential amenity were likely to be of “local significance only.” The EES referral documents can be found on the Department of Sustainability and Environment website.

http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/DSE

In April 2008, an Environmental Protection Biodiversity and Conservation (EPBC) Act referral was lodged with the Federal Government to establish if there were any federal requirements that needed to be considered as part of the planning and environmental approvals. Before making a decision on this referral, the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts requires Roaring 40s to complete the winter bird utilisation survey. This report is currently being finalised by Roaring 40s. The EPBC referral documents can be found on the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts website. 

http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/epbc

Roaring 40s have also been working with a team of environmental and technical specialists to prepare a series of detailed studies to support the planning application. These studies include Flora and Fauna, Planning, Cultural Heritage, Noise, Traffic and Transportation, Aircraft Safety, Shadow Flicker and Blade Glint and Meteorology and Air Quality.

Roaring 40s plan to submit the planning application along with the detailed studies to DPCD in 2009. Once the application has been submitted, DPCD has 60 days to request further information from Roaring 40s. Following this will be a public exhibition period prior to the Minister for Planning making a determination. A time line outlining the decision making process and Roaring 40s planned activities is included here for information.

Community Consultation
Roaring 40s is committed to keeping the local community informed and consulting with interested parties about our activities in the Sidonia Hills area. Over the last three years we have held face-to-face discussions about the proposed Sidonia Hills Wind Farm with local landowners, community groups, council representatives and a range of other stakeholders.

Understandably, a range of opinions about the proposed wind farm exist in the community. Roaring 40s value these discussions as they educate us about the area and help us understand local concerns and issues. This information helps us design a better wind farm that is more likely to maximise community benefits.

If you have any queries about the proposed Sidonia Hills Wind Farm or would like to be added to our mailing list, please contact Roaring 40s on freecall 1800 330 955, or email SidoniaHills@roaring 40s.com