BACKGROUND

The proposed Ararat Wind Farm is comprised of up to 75 turbines, each with a blade tip height of up to 135m above ground level. There are 5 turbines proposed within Northern Grampians Shire Council area and 70 turbines are proposed within Ararat Rural City Council area. The wind turbines will have an expected rated capacity of up to 3.3MW each.

The wind farm will deliver significant environmental, social and economic benefits to the regional economies of Ararat Rural City Council and Northern Grampians Shire Council area. The Ararat Wind Farm will produce enough electricity for up to 137,147 average Victorian households per annum and will displace up to 925,778 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per annum. The proposal will also unlock a $350 million investment within the Ararat Rural City Council and Northern Grampians Shire Council areas.

WHY WAS ARARAT CHOSEN?

RES Australia’s investigations demonstrate that the site has a favourable wind resource. It is near to a suitable transmission network and has reasonable separation from residential areas. We have been monitoring the wind resource on the ridges from four meteorological masts. We believe that the Ararat Wind Farm is appropriately sited and has been selected through a rigorous application of planning guidelines and industry best practice. The wind farm layout has been designed to minimise potential impacts on the environment and surrounding communities. It is consistent with Commonwealth and State government initiatives to promote the development of renewable energy.


Proposed Ararat Wind Farm - Infrastructure Zone