After almost 12 months of investigations and negotiations, Murrumbidgee Council has agreed to adopt a voluntary planning agreement (VPA) with the proponents of the Yanco Delta Wind Farm.
Entering into the VPA with Origin Energy results in funding of the construction of a new medical centre in Jerilderie to the amount of $5 million, per schedule 1 of council’s Section 7.12 Development Contributions Plan.
Council floated the idea of the contribution being used to construct the medical centre in May 2024.
The VPA then went on public exhibition in November last year, and councillors unanimously decided to adopt the amended VPA at its February meeting.
Mayor Ruth McRae, who is also chair of the Jerilderie Local Health Advisory Committee, said this is a significant milestone in the council’s ongoing efforts to meet the area’s evolving health needs and ensure health services are ongoing and accessible to all.
“This ensures we have a state of the art medical facility that not only meets the needs of the community but creates a space to attract allied health workers and possibly build the practice.
“We have a multipurpose service in Jerilderie with 12 aged care beds, three health care beds and an emergency department, and having this medical centre will make it easier for them to attract staff.”
Cr McRae said while the installation of large wind turbines is not supported by all residents and landholders, this deal ensures that the renewable energy project leaves a lasting positive legacy for the community.
Council’s decision to accept the VRA comes as preparation works for the Yanco Delta Wind Farm are set to begin.
As part of the early works, geotechnical investigations will begin on March 17 and will continue for three to four weeks.
Work will take place along Liddles Lane and Jerrys Lane in Jerilderie, as well as Wilson Rd in Jerilderie and Argood, Moonbria Rd and Mabins Well Rd.
Road strength testing will also be conducted on Wilsons Rd using specialised equipment, to help plan future upgrades and maintenance.
“Work will take place Monday to Saturday, between 7am and 5pm, with a team of approximately six workers and machinery, including a truck-mounted drilling rig and light vehicles,’ Origin said.
“To ensure safety and manage traffic flow, speed restrictions will be in place through the work zone.
“Where road widths are reduced to a single lane, traffic controllers will be in place to guide motorists through any changed traffic conditions.”
The Yanco Delta Wind Farm, will be located north-west of Jerilderie.
When complete, it will be one of the largest on-shore wind and energy storage developments in the country.
Connecting to the Dinawan Substation, also near Jerilderie, it is envisaged the project will produce power for around 750,000 households and avoid up to 4.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere.
The Yanco Delta project will also span in to the neighbouring Edward River local government area.
It is designed to incorporate up to 208 wind turbines with maximum tip heights of 270m, energy storage and associated infrastructure.
Development consent was approved by the NSW Government, as a state significant development, in 2023.
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