ECOLOGICAL studies to avoid or minimise environmental harm have been made by a Dutch-based company planning a wind farm near Pyramid Hill.
European Energy’s country manager Australia, Catriona McLeod, said the company was investigating the feasibility of a wind farm at Mincha.
And there will be early community engagement with neighbours and  the Loddon Shire Council, will start within weeks.
Ms McLeod said there had been consultation with landowners that might have potential for turbines and wished to diversify their farming income.
“At this stage the number of turbines is currently being refined. As we refine the design further through the development process we’ll share information with the community through regular updates,” she said.
“A number of landowners have been contacted to see if they are interested in diversifying their income through hosting wind turbines, with several interested. 
“The next step is to refine the opportunity in the area with further environmental and technical studies, and begin engagement with neighbours and the community. Early engagement with neighbours, council, key stakeholders and the community will commence within the next two months.”
Ms McLeod said there   “a number of agreements that have been signed with individuals, as the feasibility of this project has been assessed”. 
“These agreements are important in safeguarding the interests of all parties, including the protection of access and security rights for property owners,” Ms McLeod said.
“Planning works are at an early stage for this project. Neighbour, community and stakeholder engagement will commence within the next two months. 
“EE Australia will use the valuable feedback from this early engagement to inform its strategy for the project moving forward, and understand how a project such as this could best contribute to the local region in a positive and meaningful way.”
Ms McLeod said that with the project in its feasibility and development stage, which for a wind project typically takes \ up to four years before entering construction.
“European Energy is a global renewables company with extensive expertise in renewable energy development, construction, financing, and operations,” she said.
“We develop, build and operate our wind and solar farms in Australia, and are committed to building a strong relationship with our host communities. 
“Projects are accompanied by neighbour, community and First Nations benefits, and consider social impact assessments. 
“They are designed to minimise environmental impacts and maximise local benefits, including prioritising employment and procurement opportunities within the region.”
Protest signs against wind farm proposals have been erected in Pyramid Hill in the last month.
European Energy says in its prospectus: “We engage early and regularly to support our goal of partnering with the community to mitigate impacts and create meaningful benefits for the communities who host our projects.
“We value the opportunity that community engagement presents for sharing local knowledge and values, communicating community interests and requirements, and improving project outcomes. 
“We look forward to working with you to best understand your locality and how we can help create positive outcomes for your community.
“Each of European Energy’s projects is accompanied by a community benefits fund which the community can direct to their own priorities, such as environmental or social causes.”
Catalyst Metals, exploring gold deposits near Mitiamo and with plans for an underground tunnel still waiting on State Government approval, has previously supported community events and projects in the district.