Project Hayes

Jubilant opponents of the wind farm have hailed the decision as a victory for the "small guys".

Meridian Energy's proposed $2 billion Project Hayes wind farm has proved costly for all involved in the consent process - not just the state-owned power company.

Closing submissions are being made by representatives of all parties in the Environment Court Project Hayes appeal hearing.

A Government submission supporting Meridian Energy's proposed $2 billion Project Hayes wind farm stunted a Department of Conservation submission opposing the proposal, an Environment Court appeal hearing on the development was told yesterday.

A Central Otago planning consultant yesterday reiterated his opinion that Meridian Energy's proposed 176-turbine wind farm should be denied resource consent, during an Environment Court appeal hearing for the development.

Sedimentation of waterways within the proposed 92sq km Project Hayes wind farm site will likely increase due to construction of the development, an Environment Court appeal hearing was told yesterday.

Although some threatened flora and fauna species exist within the proposed $2 billion Project Hayes wind farm site, the majority of land is of moderate or low ecological significance, an Environment Court appeal hearing for the project was told yesterday.

A quarry situated off Old Dunstan Rd, between Clarks Junction and Rocklands Station, will almost certainly be used to source material for the construction of Meridian Energy's Project Hayes wind farm in Central Otago.

A 176-turbine wind farm on the Lammermoor Range in Central Otago could become a tourist attraction in its own right, allowing visitors to get "up close and personal" with the development, an Environment Court appeal hearing was told yesterday.

Vehicles travelling to and from Meridian Energy's proposed $2 billion Project Hayes wind farm will have a minimal effect on road users and residents in the surrounding Central Otago area, an Environment Court hearing heard yesterday.