Wind farm for NSW

A $185 million wind farm to be built at Taralga, north of Goulburn, is expected to generate enough clean energy to power 38,000 New South Wales homes.

Before approval for the project could be announced, the size of the development had to be scaled back in response to concerns about is visual impact.

NSW Planning Minister, Frank Sartor said: "It will provide enough green power to run 38,000 homes " and prevent greenhouse gas emissions of up to 257,000 tonnes each year".

RES Southern Cross Pty Ltd originally proposed a 69-turbine development, and the application was reduced to 62 during the public exhibition period.

Sartor said he has granted approval for 50 turbines at the site, which is located between three and seven kilometres east of the Taralga township.

Another four turbines have been recommended for relocation and are subject to further assessment.

Construction is expected to take approximately 16 months and includes a new substation, underground cable network, and a control room and facilities building.

The development is classified as State Significant under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, and will be subject to 104 conditions imposed by Minister Sartor, including:

• Onsite and offsite landscaping to reduce visual impacts;
• Noise criteria to protect the amenity of neighbouring residences;
• Preparation by the applicant of a Bird and Bat Adaptive Management Program;
• Soil and water management;
• Decommissioning and site restoration;
• Work to mitigate interference to television reception.