Narrogin Wind Farm: Neoen visits Narrogin and Williams with info and introductions

Representatives from Neoen, the company behind the proposed Narrogin Wind Farm, called into Williams and Narrogin on June 28 to introduce themselves and provide the Wheatbelt South with drop-in information sessions. “We had two sessions today and we’ve had a really good turnout,” Neoen head of engagement Lisa Stiebel said at the Narrogin meet. “There was probably about 30 or so people in Williams and we’ve had maybe 40 people so far in Narrogin.” The casual style of the drop-in sessions drew a curious local crowd keen to engage with company representatives. “We bring a good cross-section of our team with us so that everyone can have personal conversations and they can ask the questions that are particularly relevant to them,” Ms Stiebel said. “The other thing the sessions help us do is to get information back from people about the things they may be concerned about.” Ms Stiebel said that while the project was in an early stage of development the opportunity to engage in one on one communication with the community was important. “We haven’t settled on turbine locations yet so a lot of the information and guidance we receive from people, things that unless you had local knowledge you wouldn’t necessarily know, that’s really valuable.” Shire of Narrogin president Leigh Ballard and CEO Dale Stewart attended the Narrogin drop-in session along with representatives from community groups such as Landcare. “We’ve had a mixture of people attend the info sessions,” Ms Stiebel said. “We’ve been doing a bit of outreach with community groups and we‘ve had members of the community attend who are interested in renewable energy, it’s quite a diverse mix which is great.” News of the proposed development that will straddle the shires of Williams and Narrogin comes at a time when interest in renewable and sustainable energy is gaining traction in the region. “You’ve got the State Government with their reduction targets and you’ve also got councils who are working on their own reduction and renewable energy plans,” Ms Stiebel said. “We’ve had the opportunity to talk with the Williams Shire and we’ve met with the Shire of Narrogin, it’s really important for us to engage with local councils and they’ve been very supportive so far.” Ms Stiebel said that many of the questions posed by session attendees in Williams and Narrogin pertained to the visual effect a wind farm would have on the landscape. “We are at such an early stage at the moment that we don’t have a turbine layout,” she said. “We’re doing a lot of studies and surveys and we’ll be coming back in roughly six months to do another round of community information sessions with a much more detailed vision. “It’s really helpful to have this early engagement where we get that information coming back that can inform the design. “Once we’re clear on the turbine locations we’ll be able to do some photo montages to show from different vantage points what the project will look like.” Ms Stiebel said that the Neoen representatives had enjoyed engaging with Williams and Narrogin. “It’s great to have so many people come along today,” she said. “I’d encourage anyone that hasn’t been able to make it to check out the Narrogin Wind Farm website and get in touch if they have any questions.”