WIMMERA Development Association (WDA) will submit a formal application to the state government by September 25, 2009 for a solar power station to be constructed in the region, media reported. WDA will start work on a detailed application, to comprise a project description, capability statement, finance information, risk mitigation strategy and proposed timeline. The total cost of the project was around $250 million and is relied on both state and federal funding.

The State government announced in March 2009 it would supply around $100 million to develop a solar power station in regional Victoria to generate sufficient electricity for 50,000 homes by 2015.

Executive director Philip Sabien said a location had not been chosen but it would require going close to a high- voltage power line. The project would offer major employment and investment opportunities in the region.

The amount of land required would be about 1000 hectares and it would have to go near a high-voltage line so that it could get power into the grid, Sabien said.

We need to talk to the Federal Government about funding, and we’re also looking at commercial partners.

Sabien said that the WDA had already started talks with an Adelaide company that was an expert in solar power and had constructed stations overseas.

About five or six areas of northern and central Victoria expressed initial interest in the project, he said.

We are serious about putting together a proposal for this on behalf of the region.

People have been very supportive of it. People are beginning to realise that we’ve got to find a renewable energy source, whether it be bio-fuel or solar energy.

Horsham Rural City Council has supported the WDA’s bid for a solar power station.

Counselor Michael Ryan said a solar power station could produce enough energy to power 50,000 homes.

Irrespective of what you feel about climate change we need to develop alternative energy sources, he said.

It’s good to see the association’s application. I’d prefer Horsham but I’m glad it’s the region.

Mayor Bernard Gross said it would be beneficial for the WDA to persist the development of solar power energy, following on from Mildura’s solar power station.

This together with other forms of alternative energy such as wind farms are a must, he said. I’m delighted we’re looking into it.