New wind farm proposed

The Moulamein community get their chance tomorrow from 11am to 1pm at the Moulamein Bowling Club, and the session will then move to the Hay Bowling Club from 4pm to 6.30pm tomorrow night.

The wind farm is closer to both Moulamein and Hay than Deniliquin, but is located within the Edward River Council region.

Project proponents Neoen are planning to build wind turbines with tip heights of almost 300m, with a total capacity of up to 800 megawatts.

The project’s website indicated there will be up to 74 wind turbines, but its information booklet and documents lodged with the NSW Government to date suggest it could be up to 120.

The turbines are expected to be built on land which houses the Tchelery homestead and woolsheds.

Provided the project passes through all processes, it is anticipated construction will begin at the end of 2026.

Still in its early stages, the only steps completed so far are selection of the site, meeting neighbouring landowners and traditional owners, and getting a start on environmental surveys and designs.

The community information sessions precede the submission to the NSW Government for development, after which a formal public exhibition phase will be undertaken.

Like the other renewable energy projects being investigated for the region - of which there are up to 20 known so far - Neoen intends to support the local community through employment and grants funding.

It is proposing a community benefit fund, and to make contributions to local councils to support community projects.

Neoen Australia began operations in 2012 and runs a number of renewable energy sites across Australia, including at Griffith and Coleambally.

The Coleambally and Griffith solar farms provide jobs for full-time staff who live in the surrounding community as well as ongoing opportunities for local business and agrisolar partnerships.

For more information on the project, head along to one of the information session or go to tchelerywindfarm.com.au.