History
The project so far
Collgar Wind Farm was identified by Windlab Systems Pty Ltd (Windlab) as a potential location for a wind farm in Western Australia in mid 2006.
Windlab and Investec Bank (Australia) Limited (Investec), undertook an initial feasibility assessment on site to determine the suitability to accommodate a wind farm. These feasibility assessments have been based on the assessment criteria outlined below:
- Landholders supportive of developing a wind farm on their property;
- Proximity of site to sensitive visual receptors and ecological or historical environments;
- Adequate wind resources (a wind monitoring tower was erected on site in April 2007);
- Proximity to electricity network connection;
- Suitable land in terms of:
- Terrain and geology;
- Ecological conditions;
- Historic conditions;
- Land area;
- Compatible land uses;
- Planning controls; and
- Access to the site.
Following the determination of this site as a suitable location for a wind farm, Investec and Windlab engaged Bayley Environmental Services in February 2008 to undertake technical assessments (including ecological, visual, heritage etc) to assist in obtaining the relevant approvals.
Consultation with the community and relevant Government Authorities has been undertaken over the past few months including the Community Open Day held on 30th August 2008.