AGL Energy Limited (AGL) has advised today that construction mobilisation has commenced for the AGL Oaklands Hill Wind Farm at Glenthompson, following the approval of plans by the Department of Planning and Community Development. Over the coming months equipment will be transported to the site, ready for the wind turbines to be constructed.

The AGL Oaklands Hill Wind Farm received planning approval in October 2008 subject to approval of development and other plans. These plans address key considerations such as environmental management, bat and avifauna management, onsite landscaping, traffic management and others.

AGL has appointed Suzlon Energy Australia as its Principal Contractor for the construction of the project. Suzlon are proven leading suppliers and constructors of wind farms in Australia, having constructed wind farms for AGL in South Australia’s Hallett region.

AGL’s General Manager Power Development, Ken Woolley, said: “We are delighted to be able to bring this clean green renewable energy project to the Shire of Southern Grampians. The project has enjoyed significant community and government support and AGL has plans in place to ensure we perform to the highest quality levels throughout the construction and operational phases.

“Our planning for this project has been exhaustive, inclusive and complete. In particular our environmental planning has addressed the community’s concern around salinity and erosion management. We acknowledge the role and the efforts that the Potter Farmland Programs, Landcare, government agencies and farmers have played in protecting this environment.

“The knowledge gained from these sources has proved invaluable in establishing our construction plans and methods to ensure we have the required control measures in place. The robust approval process that the plans have been subject to further confirms that our approach is consistent with best practice,” said Mr Woolley.

“The community is already benefiting with local jobs and contracts being secured and businesses in Western Victoria being involved with manufacture of significant wind turbine components and the provision of secure storage and specialist logistics services to transport goods from Portland to site.

“AGL has a proud history of well founded investment decisions involving wind farms and other zero emission power generation. We also have a proven track record of sound management practices in fragile environments including our Hydro Schemes in the Victorian Alpine National Park and ownership and operation of the Heritage Listed 'Rubicon Hydro Scheme',” he said.

For further information, visit the Oaklands Hill Wind Farm website.

About AGL

AGL is Australia's largest integrated renewable energy company and is taking action toward creating a sustainable energy future for our investors, communities and customers. Drawing on over 170 years of experience, AGL operates retail and merchant energy businesses, power generation assets and an upstream gas portfolio. AGL has Australia's largest retail energy and dual fuel customer base. AGL has a diverse power generation portfolio including base, peaking and intermediate generation plants, spread across traditional thermal generation as well as renewable sources including hydro, wind, landfill gas and biomass. AGL is Australia's largest private owner and operator of renewable energy assets and is looking to further expand this position by exploring a suite of low emission and renewable energy generation development opportunities.