Carmody's Hill Wind Farm has strong connections to the Mid North Region
We have actively engaged the local community during the earlier project phases. Our aim is to ensure best in class community engagement and community opportunities during the construction of the project. The project has development approval for wind turbines generating capacity up to 270 MW, with battery storage.
The Mid North is identified by AEMO Renewables Hub due to its high-quality wind and solar resources and proximity to National Grid Infrastructure. The wind profile has been captured via three met masts on site that have been measuring the world class wind speed for over 10 years.
Community consultation:
Why it matters
We have worked closely with local landholders, neighbours, and the broader community from the early stages of development, hosting one-on-one meetings and community drop-in sessions to gather feedback and address concerns. This open dialogue resulted in the views of the community being incorporated into the early project design, minimising any potential impact. Community feedback, alongside technical and environmental assessments, directly influenced aspects of the project, including the design of the transmission line route. We will continue to engage with the community through regular drop-in sessions, ensuring ongoing consultation as the project progresses.
Community employment and economic benefits
Our commitment to the community extends beyond consultation and into tangible benefits chosen by the community. A best in class community fund has been established for the Georgetown, Gulnare, Caltowie/Bundaleer/Washpool, Gladstone and Nukunu communities, supporting both the construction phase and the initial 30 years of operation for the proposed project. The Campbell Range Wind Farm Fund is the registered Community Liaison Group on behalf of the proposed project and will oversee the allocation of funds to ensure they are used in ways that provide the most value to local residents. Ongoing meetings with the Campbell Range Wind Farm Fund Association, along with input from Community Development Associations (CDAs), will enable us to allocate the community benefit fund effectively.
Additionally, we are working closely with Regional Development Australia (Mid North/Yorke Peninsula) and our primary contractors to host Supplier and Employment Forums starting in March. These forums aim to bring local procurement and employment opportunities to the region, further boosting the local economy and ensuring that the community directly benefits from the project’s success.
Project Timeline
Prospecting
Complete
Site identification based on analysis of constraints and opportunities of a potential project. This includes distance to existing grid network, natural resource, housing density, native vegetation, terrain and impact on communities.
Feasibility
Complete
Consultation with landowners impacted by the potential project and feedback is sought from the local community. Site assessments, including wind testing and ecology surveys commence.
Early Development
Complete
Preparation of State Development Application for approval under the South Australian Planning, Department and Infrastructure Act 2016. Further environmental assessment may be required under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC ACT).
Advanced Development
Current Status
Primary approvals achieved, commercialisation of the project via Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), critical grid connection approvals sought, key delivery partners identified, and Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) commenced to achieve ~30% detailed design prior to a Financial Investment Decision.
Construction
Finalising detailed design followed by site mobilisation, construction of all access roads, foundations and hardstands, and all electrical works required to connect the Project into the grid network. Wind turbine delivery and installation.
Operation
Typically 30-35 years, operating in accordance with relevant approval conditions and management plans.
Decommissioning
Towards the end of operation, wind turbines and electrical equipment will either be replaced and the wind farm repowered, or the project will be decommissioned and the site returned to its original use at the expense of the project.
The Carmody’s Hill Wind Farm Project is located approximately 7 kilometres (km) East of the town of Georgetown in the Mid North region of South Australia, on the traditional land of the Nukunu Peoples.
About the project
Carmody's Hill Wind Farm will generate 256.2 megawatt (MW) of Wind Generation Capacity using 42 turbines, 118 megawatt (MW) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and 12.8km of 275 kilovolt (kV) transmission line connecting into the existing Davenport to Brinkworth 275kV line.
Georgetown Hills Renewable Energy Pty Ltd was set up to develop the Carmody's Hill Wind Farm Project and is co-developed by Aula Energy and Renewable Project Services.