Community Sessions Show Support for Wind Farm

A series of information days, community gatherings and stakeholder meetings in Nundle, Hanging Rock, Timor, Tamworth and Scone has confirmed significant support for the ENGIE’s proposed Hills of Gold Wind Farm.

ENGIE’s General Manager of Asset Development, Andrew Kerley said the team received positive feedback about the proposed changes to the project.

“Community input is important to how we develop this project and, with the easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions, we are keen to spend time in the region to answer questions and listen to feedback from local residents and stakeholders,” Mr Kerley said.

“A majority of the community members that we’ve spoken to have indicated their support for the wind farm due to the opportunities that it would bring to the region such as new jobs and funding for community events and projects.”

Mr Kerley said the feedback echoed the sentiment of local businesses owners in a recent business survey that showed 67 per cent of businesses that have a shopfront in Nundle or Hanging Rock are supportive of the project.

“Of those businesses that support the project, more than 90 per cent believe the Hills of Gold Wind Farm will bring economic benefits to their business, with majority citing increased revenue as the biggest benefits,” he said.

“It’s been great to have direct conversations with the community and to talk through issues such as the timeframes around approvals and construction, proposed transport route changes, the Community Enhancement Fund and reduced biodiversity impacts.

“We had around 50 people visit our information hub at Nundle, and a further 25 people join us for a BBQ in Hanging Rock who were particularly excited about the project and the benefits it will bring to the community.”