Hydro Tasmania has promised residents’ concerns will be prioritised in their proposal for a 200-turbine wind farm on King Island.

Responding to market research in the lead up to the proposal, which showed 59 per cent of residents were in favour, Hydro Tasmania is now looking at a full feasibility study of the project.

Board member Andrew Catchpole said “we will focus as a matter of priority on resolving the elements of wind farm feasibility that have the most impact on these concerns, especially location, so that we can address these areas of concern... to do this we will need to undertake further wind measurements and discuss potential sites with landowners so that we can model an actual proposed location along with continuing to analyse the economic viability of the wind farm. We will also undertake a brand impact assessment, so the community can better understand the risks and benefits of this project to the King Island brand.”

According to official sources there would be significant ongoing benefits to King Island if the turbines were built, including an annual Community fund of around $1 million. This could be spent on ensuring cheaper power for all households and businesses or upgrading community infrastructure on the island.

If the project proceeds, Hydro Tasmania says there would be around 500 jobs created and considerable investment on the island during construction.