- Published:
- Friday 17 June 2016
A new wind farm at Kiata will create jobs, grow the clean energy industry and cut Victoria’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Minister for Planning Richard Wynne today gave the green light for the wind farm, which will be located three kilometres from the Kiata township. It will include 13 turbines, and provide enough clean energy to power more than 20,000 homes.
Victoria has set ambitious renewable energy targets to create thousands of new jobs and cut the state’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Currently, about 14 per cent of Victoria’s electricity comes from renewable sources. By 2020, that number will rise to 25 per cent, and then to 40 per cent by 2025.
The Kiata Wind Farm will deliver big benefits to the regional economy and provide jobs for locals. Local labour and services will be employed for construction where possible, and the Farm is seeking expressions of interest from nearby suppliers.
The Labor Government recently announced an auctions scheme – running a series of technology-neutral auctions, as well as solar auctions – which will see project developers compete to be the lowest cost provider.
This will form a key part of Victoria’s Renewable Energy Action Plan, which will help revive a sector that has stalled since the Federal Government cut the national Renewable Energy Target in 2015.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning Richard Wynne
“We are in the business of supporting clean energy. It promotes a more renewable future, helps tackle climate change and supports jobs in rural and regional Victoria.”
“The world is shifting to renewable energy, and we want Victoria to be at the fore. The Kiata Wind Farm will provide enough clean energy to power more than 20,000 homes.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“This is a great project that will deliver a boost for renewable energy in North-West Victoria, and support more jobs in the clean energy sector.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford
“This is a win for North-West Victoria and a win for the environment. This is the type of clean energy investment the Andrews Labor Government is proud to support.”