Updates on the progress of one of the biggest renewable energy projects in the region will be provided to the Stawell public at two information sessions on Wednesday, February 14 and Thursday, February 15.
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Residents can attend the Wednesday session between 2 and 7pm to learn more about the Bulgana Green Power Hub (BGPH) - a 56-turbine wind farm and 20 megawatt battery which will be located 20kms east of Stawell.
Neoen Australia will then host a contractor information session from 6-9pm for prospective job applicants on Thursday.
Both sessions will be at the Stawell Gallery, 50 Longfield Street.
Neoen’s $350 million investment in the Bulgana Green Power Hub is expected to create 230 jobs at the peak of construction.
Project manager Matthew Parton said construction was set to start next month and Neoen was eager to update the community on progress and to answer any questions and address any reservations.
“We really want residents to drop in on Wednesday, meet our team, watch the video, check out the map, ask questions and share ideas and thoughts,” he said.
“We want residents to know what to expect during construction and to know who to contact should they have any questions.
“At Neoen we have a ‘no surprise philosophy’ which means we consult with the communities in which we operate, we listen to their concerns and ideas and encourage them to take advantage of the opportunities our projects provide.”
Neoen has established a $120,000 per year BGPH Community Fund as a part of its commitment to Stawell.
The fund would be distributed under the auspices of council to community organisations each financial year for the duration of the project.
Neoen Australia, Nectar Farms and the state government signed an agreement which would see 10 per cent of the hub’s capacity provide baseload equivalent power to Nectar Farms – a 30-hectare greenhouse facility.
The remaining 90 per cent of power will be fed directly to the grid.