The Wimmera Development Association has announced it will submit a formal request to the Victorian State Government for a solar farm to be constructed in the area.
According to an article The Wimmera Mail Times; the total cost of the project is pegged around $250 million and it going ahead would depend on both state and federal funding. The move by the association comes shortly after the Victorian Government’s announcement of up to $100 million funding for a solar farm that could supply 50,000 homes.
The Wimmera Development Association will also be seeking commercial partners for the project that, should it get the green light, would be the second large-scale solar project for Victoria.
While a site for the solar farm has not yet been chosen, five or six areas of northern and central Victoria have expressed initial interest in the project. Around 1000 hectares of land situated close to a high voltage line would be needed in order to easily feed the power generated into the mains grid. Talks are already under way with an Adelaide company experienced in the development of solar farms overseas.
Horsham City Council is supporting the bid as it would provide significant employment and investment opportunities in the region.
