Mallee Wind Farm: first community consultation a success
24 August 2022
Spark Renewables has held its first community drop-in session for the proposed Mallee Wind Farm, announced in early August 2022.
The drop-in session was held on Tuesday, 23 August at the Midway Centre near Buronga.
The three-hour drop-in session was open for all community members to come by and meet with the Spark Renewables development team, read information posters about the proposed project, look at the investigation area on a map, and provide feedback on the proposal, both verbally and via a survey.
Julian Kasby, Senior Development Manager at Spark Renewables, said:
“It was fantastic to be in Buronga and meet so the local community.
“We were pleased to be able to hear the insights and questions from over 20 local community members who attended. We were also able to connect with local service providers and individuals who are interested in being a part of the project either through our planned local employment program, or through opportunities to provide goods and services during the construction and operational phases of the project,” Mr Kasby said.
Feedback on the proposed project was largely positive. Community members in attendance were most interested in understanding the size of the project, the technology that will power the proposed wind farm, and how Spark Renewables will mitigate some of the potential issues that may arise as part of the project, such as visual and noise amenity impacts, and impacts to native flora and fauna. The Spark Renewables team were also asked questions on decommissioning and site rehabilitation.
During the drop-in session and through the completed community surveys, helpful suggestions were made by the community on potential benefit-sharing opportunities, including:
- Local sourcing of services, materials and labour;
- Local community groups and clubs that would benefit from an annual community fund; and
- Improved communications and road upgrades along Arumpo Road.
Materials displayed at the consultation session are available here:
Survey remains open for feedback via this link.
ENDS
Contact:
Julian Kasby
M: 0411 638 651
E: julian.kasby@sparkrenewables.com
About Spark Renewables
Spark Renewables is a leading developer and long-term owner and operator of renewable energy generation assets. Our operational portfolio comprises the 100 MW Bomen Solar Farm near Wagga Wagga, contracted to Westpac and Flow Power, which commenced operations in 2020. Our large development portfolio includes wind, solar and storage projects in the National Electricity Market.
Spark Renewables is owned by the Spark Infrastructure Group – an owner of critical energy infrastructure, including generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure across Australia.
Spark Renewables is a member of the Clean Energy Council (CEC) and a signatory to the CEC’s Best Practice Charter for Renewable Energy Developments.