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Wonthaggi
Wind Farm Specifications
| No. Turbines | 6 |
| Turbine Model | Repower MM82 (2 MW) |
| Capacity | 12 MW |
| Current Status | Operational |
Wind Farm Location Map
Turbine Location Map
Project Details
Wonthaggi Wind Farm is located 3km from the Wonthaggi Town centre in the Bass Coast Shire in Gippsland, Victoria. There are 6 wind turbines built on 120 acres of rural zoned flat grazing, which traverses land behind sand dunes and a foreshore reserve. Commissioning was finished in December 2005 and has been operating ever since. The wind farm has a capacity of 12MW with each turbine able to produce 2 MW of renewable electricity. The site has a 1.5km side at right angles to the prevailing wind from the southwest.
Risks to Birds
After 24 months of operation, 3 bird and 2 bat strikes have been recorded. These birds and bats were found near the base of the turbines during on-going standard operating monitoring procedures and during thorough inspections by an independent afivauna consultant. These inspections are undertaken as part of the post-operational bird and bad monitoring program. This number of impacts is well below the industry allowance of 2 birds or bats per turbine per year.
Noise from the turbines
The wind turbines do make noise, but today's modern generators are generally much quieter than most people expect. It is quite possible to carry out a normal conversation at the base of a turbine running at maximum power, without raising one's voice. When there is little or no wind, the wind turbines do not operate and therefore produce no noise. When the wind blows, the turbines commence operation and start to produce noise. Many sources of background noise such as vegetation are also affected by wind speed. As wind speeds rise, wind related background noise at locations around the wind farm will also increase. The wind farm is one of the many activities on rural land that result in noise. Examples from the surrounds at Wonthaggi include the noise from the operation of machinery, the sound of truck movements and also aircraft noise from plans on the Melbourne-Tasmania flight path, which is located directly above the Township. Noise limits for the wind farm have been carefully determined and turbines are located far enough away from occupied houses to protect amenities.
How do I object?
Wind Power Management Pty Ltd has thoroughly investigated the acoustic issues associated with the operation of the Wonthaggi Wind Farm. However, if you are concerned you may wish to make a noise complaint. There are easily accessible methods to complete a Noise Complaint Record Form. You can ring the personally manned Hotline and complete a record of complaint over the phone or request a form be mailed to you. The Hotline is open 24 hours a day on (03) 9625 2264. You can request a record of complaint form be sent to you by emailing us at the following address info@wind-power.com.au (This form will be sent to you within 2 business days). Alternatively, you can write to us and request a form be mailed to you.
What happens if a complaint is made?
The complaint will be acknowledged in the form of a letter, which will confirm the details of the issue and the remedy you have sought. The complaint will be investigated and during this period an officer may seek to contact you. You will be informed and regularly updated. Your privacy will be maintained and upheld throughout this process and beyond.
Last Updated 30/05/2008