Oaklands Hill Wind Farm
Windlab used its WindScapeTM mapping technology to identify the project in 2005. The site was developed in partnership with Investec Bank (Australia) Limited. The Project is now being codeveloped by Windlab and AGL following a transfer of Investec's interest.
Project details
| Location | In the Southern Grampians Shire, approximately 5km South of Glenthompson |
| Land type | The area is predominantly used for sheep and cattle grazing. |
| Number of turbines | 32 wind turbine generators |
| Total generation capacity | 67.2 MW |
| Project cost | Over $A175 m to construct |
| Low emissions contribution | Contribute to the Australian and Victorian renewable energy targets |
Project summary
The site was identified by Windlab Systems in 2005.
A 50m wind monitoring mast was installed in 2005 in order to accurately measure wind speed and direction in the area. A further 2 masts of 60 and 80m were later installed. The combined results confirmed the initial WindScapeTM mapping
After 12 months of data were collected from the wind monitoring mast various pre-feasibility studies in the area began.
A comprehensive flora and fauna assessment has been undertaken in the area. It determined that the project will have minimal impact on the local flora and fauna population. The various listed remnant vegetation areas located within the area will be avoided during project construction.
The project has been referred to the Commonwealth Government under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, and has been determined as 'not a controlled action' under the Act.
The Development Approval was granted by the Victorian Government in October 2008. The project is expected to commence construction in October 2009 with the creation of 60 jobs for the 2 year construction period.
The permit requires the operator will contribute $10,000 annually towards remediation works in the sub catchments contained on the site and $10,000 annually to a program to restore and improve wetland habitat for brolga.