Local Government
As a community leader, producing a source of new jobs without
adverse environmental effects has obvious appeal. In addition to
being a clean, renewable energy source that lessens our dependence
on traditional fossil fuels while helping to reduce the effects of
global warming, our projects generate jobs. Wind power employs over
100,000 people worldwide*. This is a figure set to rise
dramatically.
Pacific Hydro takes a "good neighbour" approach in all of its
developments. Our hydro and wind power projects engage the local
workforce, businesses and landholders, creating many benefits for
their respective communities. We provide an energy solution that
has far-reaching benefits at the local, state and federal
levels.
*Sources: European Wind Energy Association www.ewea.org;
Australian Wind Energy Association www.auswea.com.au
FAQs
How will a
wind farm benefit my community?
A successful wind farm goes way beyond providing clean
electricity, although that is the primary focus. The development of
each wind farm creates local jobs and brings investment into a
region. We provide a secondary revenue stream for wind farm
landowners, help protect the environment and boost tourism. Our
wind farms also contribute significantly to local government
revenues through annual rates payments.
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How do you
consult with the local community?
This is a key part of creating any wind farm. Pacific Hydro has
a strong focus on community consultation and maintains a dialogue
with the local community.
We regularly hold information sessions, presentations to
community groups and media briefings, to ensure that everybody
understands the benefits of the wind farm and that we have
thoroughly assessed any and all potential effects of the project on
the surrounding land, heritage, flora and fauna.
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Why does
it take so long to start construction?
It can take 3 to 5 years to develop a wind farm, from initial
site identification to the first energy generation.
Pacific Hydro cannot and would not compromise this long but
essential stage of the development. Technically, we allow a full
year of monitoring the wind at a potential project site, with a
wind monitoring mast checking all variable elements of wind flow,
strength and direction.
During this time, we ensure that the output from the wind farm
will be optimised but we are also working in the wider community,
checking that the interests of stakeholders, including landholders,
neighbours and local communities, are considered in the
process.
Actual construction usually takes only 9 to 12 months.
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How much electricity is
produced?
Each windmill installed at Pacific Hydro's Challicum Hills Wind
Farm produces enough clean electricity to meet the annual needs of
more than 800 Victorian households.
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Why
is Pacific Hydro so focused on community consultation?
Pacific Hydro's reputation is critical to its permission to
operate. This is why the company works so hard to build community
support at every stage of the wind farm development process.
Unlike many other wind farm developers, Pacific Hydro is a
specialist renewable energy company focused solely on developing
wind and hydro projects.
We are proud that we set the benchmark for responsible wind farm
development. We have gained the trust of farmers and communities
around Australia as a company that is honest, responsive, and
considerate of local needs.
Our company is committed to keeping communities informed at
every step of the development process. Our public information
sessions, presentations to community groups and local media
briefings helped Pacific Hydro develop both the Codrington and
Challicum Hills wind farms in western Victoria without a single
objection.
For more general information about wind energy view our FAQs
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