Green energy in the wind as project is extended

The Shire of Kojonup and Broome-Hill Tambellup is set to take advantage of one of Mother Nature's most powerful resources with the construction of new wind turbines in the area as part of Moonies Hill Energy's renewable energy project.

At a recent council meeting, approval to extend the construction period of the Flat Rocks Wind Farm for a further four years was granted.

Consent for the energy project to be built within a period of 48 months was originally granted in 2011; however, due to delays, including the Federal Government's review of the Renewable Energy Target in 2014, construction was delayed.

Generating 150MW of renewable energy, the project will include about 72 turbines assembled, spanning the two Shires.

Providing economic flow for the region of about $20 million during construction and a further $5 million annually once operational, director Sarah Rankin said it would be a first for the area.

"We are abundantly rich and well-resourced in Australia, with wind and solar, and the resources are here, so hopefully this can be the start," she said.

With construction hoping to begin next year, Ms Rankin said she was eager to move into stage one which would include 45 per cent of turbines commissioned as well as the establishment of road access and installation of infrastructure.

Shire of Kojonup chief executive Rick Mitchell Collins said approval from the council was a simple decision, but one had to recognise there were a lot of requirements.

"It is captures all levels of government; like any applications the applicant must meet requirements," he said.