Forest Wind Newsletter #7

30th October 2020

Welcome to the 7th Forest Wind Newsletter

REPORT BACK FROM THE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS

In August and September, we conducted three community engagement sessions in Poona, Bauple and Boonooroo. We had approximately 60 people attend across the three events.

The smaller group format allowed for in depth discussion around several issues and we received feedback on many aspects of the Project proposal.

Thanks to everyone who attended the forums. We really appreciated the opportunity to meet with local community members and for them to share their views and perspectives on the Project.

A summary of the key issues, and Forest Wind’s response and next steps is available on our website here.

We will conduct more community engagement sessions in the first quarter of 2021. In the meantime, the Community Reference Group will continue to meet every two months.

 

FOREST WIND COMMUNITY REFERENCE GROUP INAUGURAL MEETING

Members of the Forest Wind Community Reference Group at our first meeting in Poona.

The Inaugural meeting of the Forest Wind Community Reference Group successfully took place on September 11 at the Poona Centennial Hall.

The Community Reference Group affirmed the Community Reference Group’s objectives and identified key issues members would like to address through the forum. You can see the full list of members and find a copy of the agenda on our website here with the meeting minutes to soon follow.

If you would like to get in touch with the Community Reference Group, or have an issue that you would like raised, please email fwcrg@forestwind.com.au
 

VISIT TO COOPERS GAP WIND FARM

Forest Wind Community Reference Group members and Project Wind Engineer at the Coopers Gap Wind Farm with AGL Representatives.

In September, four members of our Community Reference Group and two Forest Wind representatives visited the Coopers Gap Wind Farm, which is approximately 50km south west of Kingaroy. The visit provided a great opportunity to see up close an operating wind farm, experience the look and noise levels generated by modern turbines - they are very impressive structures!

As COVID restrictions have eased, we will organise a trip for interested community members out to the Coopers Gap wind farm early next year.

Please register your interest by emailing info@forestwind.com.au

In the meantime, we encourage you to take a self-drive to Coopers Gap out past Kingaroy to experience an operating wind farm. A link to the location on Google maps is here.
 

BUSINESS AND JOB SEEKER ENGAGEMENT

Forest Wind presentation at the Gympie Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Event, October 21, at the Gympie Pavilion.

We have been busy in September and October disseminating information about how local businesses can get involved in the delivery of Forest Wind.

We were very grateful to have the opportunity to speak at the following recent events

  • Rainbow Beach Commerce and Tourism Association on the 15th September

  • Gympie Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Event on the 19th October. You can view the brief presentation on the Gympie Chamber of Commerce facebook page here.

  • Maryborough Chamber of Commerce Breakfast regular catch up on the 21st October

  • Fraser Coast Jobs Expo on the 23rd October.

Local businesses are invited to lodge an Expression of Interest to supply goods or services for Forest Wind via our Project Page on the ICN Gateway at https://forestwind.icn.org.au

A wide range of opportunities for local businesses are available, including accommodation providers, cleaning services, catering and food services, logistics and transport, quarry and cement products, cabling and electrical wholesalers, security services, water haulage, electrical and civil works and many more.

The Closing Dates have been extended for many of the work packages.

If you have any queries, please email eoi.forestwind@siemensgamesa.com

To register your interest in work opportunities on the Project, please email jobs@forestwind.com.au

Local and Traditional Owner participation is an important objective for Forest Wind. Butchulla and Kabi Kabi businesses are encouraged to lodge an Expression of Interest.

 

NATIONAL WIND FARM COMMISSIONER ANNUAL REPORT 2019

The National Wind Farm Commissioner’s Office has released its 2019 Annual Report. The report covers the Office’s activities for the period of 1 January 2019 through to 31 December 2019. It includes a number of observations about the governance, development and operation of wind and solar farm projects along with recommendations for consideration.

It is worth taking a look if you are interested in what has been happening around the country in wind and solar farm development and operations.

You can download a copy of the report here.

 

PROJECT UPDATES

As part of our ongoing wind measurement program, and to inform the design of the wind turbines, we are installing three meteorological masts within the Project Area.

Our team is currently working on the Stage 1 plans, including determining the number and the location of turbines for Stage 1 and the transport routes. Once these are advanced, we will conduct another round of Community Engagement Sessions to provide information and seek community feedback on proposed plans.

We are currently preparing the second stage of our submission under the EPBC Act and we will notify you when it is open for public comment.

 

FIRST NATIONS PEOPLE

The developers of Forest Wind respectfully acknowledge the Butchulla People and Kabi Kabi First Nation People of the land on which Forest Wind is proposed.

Are you a Kabi Kabi or Butchulla business interested in work opportunities on Forest Wind? Please get in touch via email info@forestwind.com.au

Want to know more?

Visit our website for more information