Epuron has taken another big step forward in establishing a clean, renewable energy industry that will attract jobs and investment to regional NSW.

The Minister for Planning, the Hon. Kristina Keneally has announced that the Gullen Range Wind Farm, located approximately 25km west of Goulburn in the NSW Southern Tablelands, has received Project Approval for 73 wind turbines.

“Epuron is delighted that Minister Keneally has approved this very important project that will result in positive environmental outcomes and provide a range of local benefits including a community program, investment and jobs.” Project Director Simon Davey said.

The approved Gullen Range Wind Farm will:

• provide enough clean electricity for the average consumption of 63,000 homes;
• reduce greenhouse gas emissions by >500,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (equivalent) per annum;
• create an anticipated 150 construction jobs and 15 ongoing jobs during the operational phase of the project;
• result in capital investment of $400 – $500M in regional NSW.

“By bringing forward this new project, not only do we ensure that this investment occurs within NSW, we also provide the capacity for a region like the Southern Tablelands to establish ongoing, long term, sustainable jobs through related service, construction and manufacturing industries. ” Mr Davey said.

The project has undergone rigorous environmental assessment that examined all aspects of the project, including potential impacts on flora and fauna and residential amenity. Epuron would like to thank the local community who provided input during the community consultation and the involved landowners for their support of the project.

“We have done our work on this project,” Epuron’s Executive Director Andrew Durran said, “now its up to the Federal Government to do their part - stop delaying the expansion of renewable energy in Australia and implement the Renewable Energy Target legislation now.”

This approval means that Epuron has now developed more than 70% of the approved wind energy capacity in NSW.