South West Victoria Can Become Wind Factory of Australia
Wednesday, 15 July 2009 07:32
South West Victoria can become the wind factory of Australia, Federal MP, Darren Cheeseman, said today.
Announcing a regional Wind Farm Forum to provide support and further momentum to the development of the industry, Darren Cheeseman said wind power production offered real opportunities for job growth in an industry of the future.
“I am pulling together local government, peak bodies and industry players in a Wind Energy Forum to see what other things we can do to capture a big slice of the investment in this industry, and to open up another industry that will provide employment for the future.”
“However, as an elected representative of South West Victoria in a region that has one of the highest carbon footprints per head anywhere in the world I believe this is not just about developing new employment areas, it is also about our obligations to the planet and our kids.”
“I believe we have a great economic opportunity but also a moral obligation to lead in this area.”
Darren Cheeseman also released new figures showing the region was on the cusp of securing an array of new wind energy projects.
Up-to-date research shows South West Victoria has 43 separate Wind Farm projects either having been approved, or in the pipeline, with;
• $7.29 billion potential investment
• A displacement of 9.52 million tonnes of CO2 emissions, 8% of the Victorian total
• A total potential generation output of 4,049 MW
• A minimum estimated 2,714 construction jobs
• Over 200 ongoing jobs
• 17 projects approved and 21 proposed.
“South West Victoria is unique with it’s wind resources, access to the grid, access to a great transport system, and security of investment.”
“To get this industry going full throttle, we need cooperation at all levels of Government, and to hit the ground running as the new renewable energy target legislation goes through.”
“The Federal government is imposing a 20% renewable energy target which will encourage the industry and provide certainty but as I understand it around 25% of the costs are in relation to local Council and state controlled regulation.”
“Obviously, there are flora and fauna considerations and other scenic amenity considerations. But there must be ways in which we can help the way to fast-track industry.”
“That will be the point of the forum, bringing everyone together to see how we can work together to rapidly and properly develop this industry.”
For more information, ring Joe Taylor 0416241653.
