Wind company engages community

Located on top of the Barunga and Hummocks ranges, they are in addition to 47 units erected in the region in 2008.

Landholder Neville Michael is one of 24 landholders hosting turbines on his land.

He said the turbines had provided a "very good" alternative income. "This is a cropping region but the turbines are mounted on top of the hills where the pastoral activity is," Mr Michael said.

He received 14 turbines during Snowtown I in 2008 and has now received a further two for Snowtown II. "The project has been very successful and has surpassed expectations for power generation quite quickly."

Senior project manager for New Zealand company Trust Power Jim Pearson said the community accepted the project because the company "engaged" with members for a long time before any construction took place.

"At the end of the day, we're guests on peoples' land and that's the approach we take," he said.

The company donated $40,000 annually to the community through the Trust Power Lend a Hand Foundation, in conjunction with the Lions Corporation at Snowtown, which manages the fund.

The turbine brand, Siemens, also donates $10,000 annually.

Mr Pearson said Snowtown II was on track to be completed 2.5 months ahead of schedule.

It would employ up to 15 full-time employees, in addition to the eight full-time employees already working at Snowtown I.

* Full report in Stock Journal, June 19, 2014 issue.