But there as yet has been no public comment from the developer, Crookwell Development Pty. Ltd, as to its whether it intends to proceed with the project at this time.

Crookwell Development Ltd. is a fully owned subsidiary of Fenosa Wind Australia Pty. Ltd. – which has indicated that the wind farm would not go ahead if the company failed to gain a contract to supply the A.C.T.

Union Fenosa has missed out on a contract at this time – but the A.C.T has indicated there will be a further call for renewable energy sources in 2016.

The proposed Collector wind farm developer has confirmed that it will proceed with its plans.

The capital investment for Crookwell 3 is estimated at between $90 million and $110 million, with 40 full-time jobs during construction and six full-time equivalent operational jobs.

The wind farm, if it goes ahead, will have to meet a number of environmental conditions laid down by the Planning Department.

INCLUDED will be a requirement to provide landscaping to “screen” residences within six kilometres of a turbine.

A landscape specialist must be provided by the wind farm to design this work.

All efforts should be made to locate the turbines at least sixty metres from any hollow-bearing trees which provide potential habitat for birds and bats.

The developers are required to submit to the Department Bird and Bat Management Program.

And they must also consult with the Rural Fire Service to determine potential hazards to the aerial fighting of fires.

During construction, standard construction hours will be 7.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, 8.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. Saturdays and not at all on Sundays or public holidays.

Prior to commissioning, the developer has to undertake an assessment of the existing quality of television, radio and telephone/internet transmission within five kilometres of any turbine.

If any problems arise which can be reasonably attributed to the wind farm, they have to be rectified by the developer.

The developer is required to consult with Upper Lachlan Shire on any upgrading of existing roads to cater for the heavy traffic involved in construction – which basically involved the Goulburn Road and Woodhouselee Road, and the repair of any damage caused.

The Council will also be involved in preparing a traffic plan involving possible speed limits and time limitations for the heavy haulage vehicles.

At the end of the wind farm’s operational life the developer is required to return the site as near as possible to its original condition.

The full approval conditions are available on the Department’s web site, and the Union Fenosa application is available on its web site, www.unionfenosa.com.au.

Crookwell 3 is a virtual extension of the existing Crookwell 1 and the approved, but dormant, Crookwell 2.

It covers two separate areas – one opposite Pejar Dam, on the western side (with eight turbines) and the other alongside Woodhouselee Road (with 20 turbines).