On Friday 12 April 2013, the Clean Energy Council congratulated AGL Energy, Meridian Energy, Vestas and Leighton Contractors on the opening of the largest wind farm in the Southern Hemisphere by Liberal Premier of Victoria Denis Napthine at Macarthur in the south-west of the state.

Clean Energy Council Chief Executive David Green said the billion-dollar project had provided jobs for locals and major investment in local suppliers and industries during the wind farm’s construction.

“Last week we heard the news that more than a million homes had installed solar panels in Australia and today it’s the opening of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest wind project. These milestones together help to show the diversity of this industry and make it plain that the future is already with us,” Mr Green said.

“The 875 jobs created in the region during the construction of the Macarthur Wind Farm show that, like many clean energy projects, Macarthur has helped drive economic activity right where it’s needed.

“Macarthur will provide enough clean energy to power the equivalent of 220,000 average homes every year, as well as continuing to invest in the local community. It’s a win-win for Victoria.”

The 140 turbines at the 420 megawatt Macarthur Wind Farm make it the largest not only in Australia but in the Southern Hemisphere, passing Western Australia’s Collgar Wind Farm which was previously the country’s largest.

Analysis completed by consultancy SKM found that, for every 50 megawatts of capacity, an average wind farm pays host farmers $250,000 per year, is constructed by workers who spend up to $1.2 million locally, and contributes up to $80,000 annually to community projects.

“Companies such as AGL have consistently recognised the potential investment returns and opportunities offered by Australia’s 20 per cent Renewable Energy Target policy,” he said.

“It is excellent to see the opening of a highly significant project at Macarthur that is really helping to drive forward clean energy in Australia.”