The Community Enhancement Fund Policy will be in the spotlight at next week's council meeting and NSW Regional Organiser of Australian Wind Alliance Charlie Prell is hoping it will get the tick of approval.
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At the September Meeting Council resolved that the Draft Community Enhancement Fund (CEF) Policy be placed on exhibition for a period of 28 days for public comment.
This policy has been developed to ensure community benefits from major developments are distributed through Yass Valley and to provide a framework for the administration of funds.
Mr Prell explained that the Policy would provide a more transparent way of distributing community funds and would create more support for communities affected by wind farm developments.
“Wind Turbines are increasing in size, efficiency, and capacity as wind turbine technology improves and these improvements equate to higher income per turbine,” Mr Prell explained.
“The Gullen Range Wind Farm has a mix of 1.5 and 2.5 megawatt turbines. If this basis is used for the calculation of the CEF then the correct figure should be approximately $800 (as at June 2010) per megawatt turbine capacity per year. This is a clear and transparent calculation for the amount of CEF required from wind farms.
“We believe that a fairer way for the fund to be administered is through a committee selected by Council and the proponent.”
Currently the Upper Lachlan Shire Council is undertaking this process for the CEF program for the recently completed Taralga Wind Farm.
“This process is transparent. It directly involves the community, council and the proponent in the process and would be desirable from all stakeholders,” Mr Prell continued.
“Council has an obligation to oversee the process of the distribution of the CEF monies on behalf of the community, but should not have any control over the funds.”
Mr Prell stated that the amount of the CEF should be based on the plated capacity of turbines. “The CEF funding should be administered by an independent body with appropriate oversight from council,” he continued.
Mr Prell will speak at the November council meeting open forum where the CEF will be considered by councillors.