A proposed wind farm near the community of Collector has been given the final nod by the NSW government as long as the size of the project is reduced.
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The NSW Planning Assessment Commission (PAC) released its decision on the project on Monday after a three-year application process.
The final report grants approval for 55 of the proposed 63 turbines around the area north of the ACT. Eight turbines that would have been most visible from Collector will be removed to reduce the visual impact.
Other conditions imposed addressed bushfire safety, management of a community fund attached to the project, a traffic and management plan for the construction period, and the requirement of an annual environmental management report.
The PAC has considered concerns raised by the community at a meeting in October, including potential health and noise issues. ''The commission has carefully considered the noise emissions from the turbines at some surrounding dwellings, but is satisfied that the levels would comply with appropriate standards,'' the report says.
''The commission also acknowledges the community's concern about the potential health impacts. However, given the relatively low noise levels to be produced, the two-kilometre set-back distance between the turbines and non-associated dwellings and the advice from NSW Health, the commission is satisfied the noise from the wind turbines will not adversely impact on human health.''
Property prices and fire safety are also raised in the PAC's report. However, the commission concludes that the benefits of the project outweigh any potential effects.
The proponent of the wind farm, RATCH Australia, welcomed the decision, and project director Anthony Yeates said the company was preparing to sign off on the revised conditions.
''We can now finalise our plans and move with confidence into the construction phase, which could start towards the end of 2014 and is expected to take around two years,'' he said.
Despite the reduction of the project from 63 to 55 turbines, Mr Yeates said the wind farm was expected to produce enough electricity to power up to 70,000 homes a year when in full production.