Gippsland Water is asking local residents and customers to help decide whether land it manages at Dutson Downs should be made available to build or host a wind farm.
Gippsland Water managing director, Sarah Cumming, said the idea was being explored as a way to meet the organisation’s commitment to moving to 100 per cent renewable energy by 2025.
“There’s been a great deal of interest in wind farms in our community recently,” Ms Cumming said.
“Treating and distributing water and wastewater takes a huge amount of energy.
“Establishing a wind farm could help reduce our emissions in an affordable way that benefits our customers while boosting the local economy.”
Consultation is currently underway with the local community and Gippsland Water customers.
Ms Cumming said the views of those from the surrounding area – including Golden Beach, Paradise Beach, Dutson, Seacombe and Loch Sport – will be particularly important in the decision.
Benefits of a wind farm touted by Gippsland Water include:
- Potential to boost the local economy, providing more jobs for residents in construction and ongoing maintenance;
- A contribution to the infrastructure needed to move Gippsland Water towards 100 per cent renewable energy by 2025, and;
- An affordable way to reduce Gippsland Water’s greenhouse gas emissions, potentially reducing operating costs and putting downward pressure on customer bills.
Gippsland Water currently utilises its Dutson Downs site for waste treatment, agriculture, and carbon offset plantings.
The site will continue to operate all three interests regardless of whether or not a wind farm is established there. An online survey has been opened for locals to have their say.
For more information and to participate in the survey, visit www.gippswater.com.au/windfarm-survey by March 5.
