The Upper Lachlan Shire Council (ULSC) is seeking feedback for its draft Biala Wind Farm Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) with BJCE Australia, the owner of the project.
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If approved, the proponent will be put $2,500 per turbine every year to a Community Enhancement Fund.
According to a BJCE Australia spokeswoman, the sum was set in 2010 and roughly equates to $90,000 per year for the 31 turbine wind farm.
“It is important to ensure the VPA is precise so the fund works properly and delivers value to the community,” she said.
“Community Benefit programs such as this one are very important to BJCE Australia. We like to see projects in the local community go ahead that may not have been possible without wind farm community benefit funding.”
The fund will commence when the wind farm begins operation.
BJCE Australia did not comment on the amount each turbine makes, citing factors such as wind and cost of electricity.
“Regardless of these factors, the value of the community fund remains constant,” the spokeswoman said.
The development application for the Biala Wind Farm transmission line was deferred by the NSW Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) in March.
A date has not been announced for the following JRPP meeting. The Crookwell Gazette understands the meeting was originally pegged for this June, but has been pushed back.
- VPA submissions can be made to the ULSC acting general manager Gary Woodman.
