The Augusta Margaret River Shire says is moving forward with plans to establish a hybrid wind farm to support local industries.

The idea of a renewable energy facility gained strong support after it was suggested at a community workshop last year.

Shire sustainability officer Jared Drummond says the local environment lends itself to a wind farm, r ‘hybrid mix’ of wind and solar.

“A wind farm was at the forefront of that discussion and has been with a number of community groups since then,” he said.

“I think, providing it is located well, it could potentially be a great asset for the area.”

Wind farms have attracted ire and outrage in some areas, with people living in relative proximity sometimes complaining of a disparate set of symptoms referred to as ‘wind turbine syndrome’.

Mr Drummond said location would be important in any decision-making.

He hinted at a site away from both built up and forested areas, but with consideration of its noise and visual impacts.

Augusta Margaret River Shire developed a local energy action plan in 2010, and adopted it as an official policy in 2014.

“One of the key recommendations was to encourage communities to source 20 per cent of energy from renewable sources by 2020,” Mr Drummond said.

He estimated that around a 10 megawatt system would be able to serve the town’s population and industries, but state government support funding would be needed.

“[The Australia Renewable Energy Network Association] have funding for those areas on the edge of the grid and network constrained areas,” Mr Drummond said as a potential option for financial help.

The council is preparing to establish a working party to produce a feasibility plan.

“I think it would be great for members with a background in renewable energy or financial investment linked to renewable energy [to be involved],” Mr Drummond said.

“We have a number of candidates — a really good mix of councillors, environmental experts and community members.”

The council expects it will take over a year to form the working group and complete the feasibility plan.

Source: ABC