History
The project so far
Oaklands Hill Wind Farm was identified by Windlab Systems Pty Ltd in 2004 as one of the best inland wind sites in Victoria. Windlab used WindScape technology, which was originally developed by the CSIRO, to identify the site.
In late 2005 Windlab and international specialist investment bank, Investec Bank (Australia) Ltd, entered a joint venture to develop the site and erected a 50-metre tall wind speed and direction monitoring mast on the site.
Following promising early results, planning consultants URS were engaged in February 2006 to help prepare a planning permit application. The project was referred to the Federal Minister for Environment under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Control Act and the Minister determined the project did not have an impact on matters of national environmental significance.
The project has also been referred to the Victorian Minister for Planning to determine whether an Environmental Effects Statement ("EES") is required. The Minister determined in January 2007 that an EES statement will not be required.
Monitoring has been undertaken at heights of 30 metres and 50 metres (one tower) on the site since December 2005.
The project has been discussed with the Southern Grampians Shire Council, the Ararat Rural City Council and the Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment.
The development team is negotiating with a shortlist of potential engineering procurement and construction contractors to help in the development, construction, commissioning, operations and maintenance of the project.