Mainstream Renewable Power (“Mainstream”) and Someva Renewables (“Someva”), the renewable companies jointly awarded a permit to investigate a wind farm at Sunny Corner State Forest, are encouraging local residents to contribute to a community survey to better understand the community’s views, priorities, and perspectives regarding the proposed wind farm.
This survey is part of an ongoing consultation program by Mainstream and Someva and the findings will help ensure the project team has a detailed understanding of local issues and can tailor future community benefits programs to align with the community’s needs and preferences.
The survey, which takes approximately five minutes to complete, can be accessed online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/Sunny_Corner_Wind_Farm.
Jamie Chivers, Managing Director of Someva Renewables, emphasised the importance of genuine community participation and collaboration as part of the investigative process.
“We are encouraging all locals to participate in our community survey and share their views. We have distributed a physical copy of the survey to households close to the wind farm investigation area. The information gathered will be crucial in shaping the project, and any feedback will also help guide us in addressing community priorities and tailoring future community benefits programs to meet local needs,” said Mr Chivers.
All responses to the survey will be handled in accordance with Australia’s Privacy Act 1988 and the Ethical Guidelines of the Australian Evaluation Society.
In May, Forestry Corporation of NSW announced Someva and Mainstream had been awarded a permit to explore a wind farm in Sunny Corner State Forest that will co-exist with softwood plantation trees. If approved, the wind farm will generate about 500MW of electricity – enough to power up to 280,000 homes with affordable, clean, and reliable energy for 30 years.
In the short time since the announcement of the investigative permit, Someva and Mainstream have hosted a drop-in information hub at Portland Library, held meetings with Bathurst and Lithgow Councils, the Sunny Corner Progress Association, First Nations and community groups; conducted face-to-face introductions and door knocks in the Sunny Corner area, and responded directly to communication from community members.
Someva and Mainstream will continue preliminary investigations over the coming months, with further consultation and information hubs planned.
Stay up to date on the investigation of Sunny Corner Wind Farm by visiting www.somevarenewables.com.au/sunnycorner, or by emailing community@someva.com.au.
For media interviews with Someva Renewables’ Managing Director Jamie Chivers contact:
Chris Williams, 0480 386 879, chris@kaizenco.au
