Richard Torbay

Speaker of the NSW Legislative Assembly

Member for Northern Tablelands

Media Release
22.11.2010

Wind farm study will gauge community interest

Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay today launched a project to investigate the feasibility of
establishing a community owned wind farm in the local area.

The initiative, headed by Starfish Enterprises, has received $51,000 in state government funding and
$11,000 from local organizations, for a preliminary study to gauge community interest and the level of
investment such a scheme could muster.

On the table is a proposal for a $25M-$30M utility with a capacity to generate between eight to ten
MegaWatts, enough to power from three to six thousand homes.

“There is a precedent for this in Daylesford, Victoria where the $12.9 million Hepburn Community Wind
Farm has attracted $8 million mostly from local householder and business investment,” Mr Torbay said.

“Our region is ideal for this type of venture, given the strong uptake of solar and the keen interest in
environmental issues, particularly to reduce our dependence on coal fired power stations.”

The study has been funded jointly by the Departments of Fair Trading and Environment and Climate
Change, with local funding from Community Mutual Group, Sustainable Living Armidale and Starfish
Enterprises

“There is a national target to produce 20 per cent of electricity from renewable sources by 2020 and in
NSW we still depend on coal for 90 per cent of our electricity,” Mr Torbay said. “Our region has been
nominated as one of six in NSW with a high level of natural wind resources and this project fits the
profile and has great merit.”

Starfish Chair Adam Blakester said the process would involve a series of dialogue-based forums with
landholders, residents, business, industry, community groups and local institutions.

“We are keen to identify the requirements, parameters and principles that are the key for a successful
community-owned wind farm,” he said. “At the same time we will be determining whether there is
sufficient interest and support for a community-wind farm to be successful – from investors, community
members and organizations.

“The benefits of establishing a wind farm that is community owned are substantial, particularly in
generating affordable electricity and ensuring that the long-term financial benefits and jobs are kept local.

“We are very excited about the opportunity to conduct this study. It has already generated a lot of interest
and we expect that momentum to continue. “

Further information Richard Torbay (02) 6772 5552/0427 635 029

Caption (back) Valerieanne Byrnes (NEM), Kevin Dupé(NEM), Adam Blakester (Starfish), Paul
Cruikshank (DCWA), Liz Gardiner (Farming the Sun), Nathan Alelsson (RDA), Kim Trieste
Hastgings (RDA), Hugh Piper. (front) Harold Rich (NEM), Patsy Asch (SLA), Jarra Hicks, Mick
O’Loughlan (Starfish) at the launch.