TONIGHT'S PROGRAM
Ken Barker works for Kentruck Power as liason officer
Ken has worked in the company for 5 years
Enjoying family friends and the autdoor with connection with the surf lifesaving club.
Kenbruck green power hub has been in the area for the last 5 years
Started with planning over 120 turbines however bats, brolgas and other confines have reduced the number of turbines we are able to install to around 103 at this time. There is no 'zero impact' as they do have an impact. Close to the planning process with requirements through DWELP with 99% of turbines between Portland and Nelson above the pine plantations. Huge amount of work to do on the roads.
The turbines are 275 metres to the nodes - maximum height of the pine tree, plus 25 metres of the bird flight zone, and 92 metre blades - BIG turbines - the largest in Australia but not globaly. Possibly first section of the turbine will be concrete with local businesses able to manage the top sections 2 or 3 sections.
Many studies with oise, site and wind data being completed. Still working through some title information.
Main line through Golbys with three passes of the cable underground to Heywood after Cobbonee forrest, which is 3 times more expensive than overground. the company own some land near the Heywood interconnector and possibly a battery planning set up on Heywood end on Browns farm once the permits goe through.
Some of the best wind data in Australia and the world, so a really exciting viable project. Includes employment for 250 people for the life of the project (3 years) and 40 appreticeships across all trades and a local component.
My role is to leverage as much as I can for our community using as many local trades and people as we can. We dont build villages as accommodation as this removes from the local community, without using too many tourist accommodation precluding visitors to the area.
Local office in town three days a week for local consultation. Local documents are available for people to look at at the library in Heywood, Portland and Nelson tourist association , and this is also available on a USB for people to take and review, so fully transparent.
Started with the adequacy review period and cant really do much more -trying to reduce impact through avoiding 'apple jack' trees and digging under roots through the forrest.
This goes to the planning minister for 28 days for feedback and 30 business days for community with a court hearing that goes for about 21 days - still about 14 months away from a decision due to the process in Victoria - so slow with DWELP questioning some data, its been so long.
'Build to own company' - we build it and we own it - which has been now sold on (some uncertainty through ACCC checking whether it is a conflict of interest- yet to be confirmed)
Some funds to go back to the community open for local sporting groups and clubs (minimum $150,000)- not for councils to use - a bit like United way with commuity projects.
Some good news stories with the use of these funds that are possible to supporting real activities in our local community.
Thes turbines have their own fire suppression system, and the local turbines will be retro fitted, with CFA being involved in discussions. their are nearly 100 cameras in observations towers surrounding the towers.
The towers are decomissioned after 30 years and reduced from the site with the cost included.
Also nearly $1M per year put towards bent wing bats, which could be extinct after 12 years if nothing is done and supporting the protection of the brolgas. Also cant fell more than 5% of the trees, and replacement trees occurs (offsets) with days spent counting species of trees - even the coastal wattle! Moving away from solar power farms through NEOEN - which will be one of the biggest renewable companys in Australia at present.
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