The SA State Government has given planning approval to the Ceres Project, a $1.5 billion, 197-turbine wind farm development which will be located between Ardrossan and Minlaton on the Yorke Peninsula.
The development has now been approved subject to conditions as a result of consultation with the local community. These conditions relate to the construction and operation of the wind farm and infrastructure such as transformers, transmission lines and cabling.
SA Minister for Planning John Rau said the development will connect to the Adelaide electricity grid via an under-sea transmission cable from Port Julia to St Kilda.
“It is estimated that the Ceres wind farm would be able to power the equivalent of 225,000 South Australian homes a year,” Mr Rau said.
“This will avoid the creation of up to 2.5 million tonnes of carbon pollution each year, or the equivalent of a 278,000 hectare tree plantation.
“It is envisaged that the development will also generate 500 direct jobs during construction, along with an expected 50 full time jobs over the 25 year operational life of the development.
“It is estimated that the wind farm will generate up to $8million per year in local benefits, including important off farm income for host farmers”.
“This is an industry worth more than $8billion to South Australia and Labor is committed to ensuring that wind energy has a positive future in this State.”
Minister Rau said the company has also proposed a community benefit fund of $200,000 per annum over the 25 year period (total $5.0 million) to spread further the benefits of the proposed development
For more information, visit www.theceresproject.com.au
