The following comes from the  Warrnambool Standard. Journalist – Andrew Thomson
05 Mar, 2011

Projects to deliver 600 jobs

ABOUT 600 construction jobs are being generated by two south-west wind farms underway at a total cost of $1.2 billion.

AGL Energy said the Macarthur and Glenthompson projects would use a large component of local district workers who would be given skilled training.

The giant $1 billion 140-turbine Macarthur wind farm will be the largest in the southern hemisphere generating enough power for 220,000 homes.

Direct construction expenditure from this project alone is estimated to add about 1.5 per cent to the gross regional product in 2013, a company spokeswoman said.

It will be built over 5500 hectares and is due for completion in 2013 with Vestas and Leighton as the main contractors and up to 400 workers involved.

The $200 million Oaklands Hill project at Glenthompson is at a more advanced stage with turbines and towers arriving at the site this week.

“Work on the Macarthur wind farm is progressing well with work on a construction compound starting as well as other preliminary road works,” she said.

“Much of the workforce for both the Macarthur and Oaklands Hill wind farms is deliberately sourced from the western region which keeps pressure off local accommodation.

“Between 60 and 180 workers who will require locally based rental and motel accommodation during construction of the wind farms, will contribute significantly to the regional and local economies,” she said.