Community benefits
Development of the Oaklands Hill Wind Farm is producing economic benefits for the Glenthompson district well before the first megawatt of electricity is generated.
Scientists, planning consultants and company executives have been visiting the area for almost a year, providing much needed income for the accommodation and food sectors.
This however is only a small slice of what is to come with up to 60 jobs expected to be created during the 12 to 18 month construction phase. Because western Victoria has much of the skill base necessary to build a wind farm, many of these jobs are expected to be filled locally. The construction phase will also have a large spin-off for the accommodation and food sectors and there will be an ongoing financial boost, during the life of the wind farm through land related payments.
The wind farm will also provide ongoing employment for a small team required to operate and maintain the project after it is built.
In addition to this, the development team has committed a $50,000 grant to the area to be used on community projects. A procedure for administering the grant will be developed as part of the wind farm construction planning.
If you have skills that may be useful during the design and construction of the wind farm, please email us at enquiries@oaklandshillwindfarm.com.au with a brief summary of the services and skills you can provide. Your name and skill base will be included in a database to be provided to the company which will eventually be selected to design and construct the wind farm.