The Kyoto Energy Park will be constructed by Pamada with a generating capacity of up to 113 megawatts of renewable energy through 34 wind turbines, a hydro electric generator using recycled water, and up to 100 hectares of solar panels.

The facility will create 183 construction jobs and 12 ongoing jobs.

Upper Hunter Shire Council mayor Lee Watts said the advice from the Department had been a culmination of many years of studies and investigations by the proponents, and quite extensive community consultation.

“There will undoubtedly be some residents of our community who are not pleased with the approval, however the determination includes 67 conditions of consent which seek to minimise the impacts on the local environment,” she said.

“These conditions will cover a wide range of issues and importantly include a significant annual contribution by the proponents to a community enhancement fund which will undoubtedly provide an important source of revenue for a range of community projects.

“Council has not been the consent authority for this development, however, it has represented the community throughout.”

Mayor Watts said the establishment of the Kyoto Energy Park helped reinforce the reputation of the area as a clean and green

locality.

“Council will continue to work closely with the proponents through the construction and commissioning phases to ensure that the work is undertaken with a minimum of impact to the community in the locality,” she said.

The approval followed extensive community consultation.

As a result of the consultation process, Pamada removed eight planned wind turbines that would have impacted on the community, environment and Scone Airport.

This is in addition to five proposed turbines that were already removed from the initial proposal.

Pamada will contribute more than $86,000 a year towards a community enhancement fund.