Wind
The Woodend Integrated Sustainable Energy (WISEgroup) has been investigating and developing a community wind farm project for 4 years. Whilst there are many sites that can host commercially viable wind projects, the WISEgroup has sought and found a discreet site capable of hosting a small scale (3 turbine) community wind park, just 6 kms south of Woodend.
3 X 2 MW turbines would generate equivalent energy to that consumed by 3300 households (e.g. Woodend, Macedon, Mt Macedon and Newham).
The WISEgroup has received expert pro bono advice from Philips Fox Lawyers, Garrad Hassan (Wind modellers), Latrobe University and HepburnWind and acknowledge the support of Sustainability Victoria, Friends of the Earth and Pacific Hydro.
WISE are currently negotiating access to a ridge-line, protected by pine forests which offers excellent connectivity to the grid, access to heavy vehicles and excellent wind speed. The WISEgroup believes that the sensitive location (out of site, away from houses, without threat to native flora and fauna) can generate significant revenue for local shareholders, investors and a local Community Sustainability Fund.
Also see www.wisegroup.org.au for more detail.
