The appeal by Gullen Range Wind Farm developers, Goldwind, against an order to relocate nine of its 73 turbines will come before the Land and Environment Court in February.
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That initial mention will probably decide on a date for the full hearing.
The State Department of Planning will make its final decision considering:
- The outcome of the Court action;
- Further advice from new independent experts employed by the Department on impacts of the 9 relocated turbines;
- That two properties most affected no longer object to the relocations.
In the meantime, Goldwind have announced that construction has finished and in the wind farm is in full operation.
The developers originally sought approval for 84 turbines, but 11 of these were rejected because of unacceptable impacts, leaving the 73 now operating.
In late 2013 neighbouring landowners complained to the Department that some of the turbines were not located in their originally approve sites, and that the new locations negatively impacted on them.
The Court had approved “minor” variations.
Goldwind were subsequently informed, in January, 2014, compliance officers had found the relocation of nine of the turbines had more than a minor impact.
The wind farm operators maintained the changes were consistent with the original approvals, and consequently have started the proceedings in the Land and Environment Court.
Goldwind, in a Press release, have stated that a high priority is placed on noise compliance, and that monitoring will be carried out at locations around the wind farm within three months of its completion.
This began last month, by independent acoustic specialists, Marshall Day.
The results will be submitted to the Department of Environment and Planning.
Meanwhile, a program of landscape screening on individual properties is continuing.
So far, a total of 64 residences have applied and been inspected by landscape architects Fresh Landscape Design.
Individual landscape screening plans have been developed for 46 properties and planting commenced on some properties.
Most plantings will be carried out during the year on specialist horticultural advice.
Residences within three kilometres of the turbines are eligible for landscape assessments.
Road improvements on Kialla Road, Range Road and associated access are currently completed or well under way, funded by the wind farm.
The clean energy program, financed by half the annual Community Enhancement Fund, will begin this month, fully administered by Goldwind.
This will aim at providing renewable energy for residences with five kilometres of the wind farm.
The other half of the funds is open to applications for projects that will benefit residents within ten kilometres.
These applications will be considered by a committee co-ordinated by Upper Lachlan Council.
In the first year, the community fund will be about $66,000.
