The first modern community owned wind farm was established in Denmark during the early 1980's. Since then commuinity owned wind farms have blossomed in Denmark and across Europe. There are now successful community owned wind farms in Britain, Canada and America. More and more communities are seeing the benfits of making their own contribution to the fight against global warming whilst also sharing the financial benefits.

Our Links page has some examples of successful community wind projects around the world

The Hepburn Renewable Energy Association's goal is to establish our own community owned wind park as a local intiative to take responsibility for our energy needs as well as a contribution to tackle climate change. As owners of the wind park, local people will share the rewards.

Around the world, community owned wind parks are generally owned by a local co-operative which is formed for that purpose. If you are interested in helping to establish the co-operative and becoming a founding member please contact us.

But there is still a long way to go. We must first gain a planning approval and then ensure all the contracts are in place. They include the contracts for the supply and construction of the turbines, connection to the electricity grid, and the sale of the wind energy. These stages are being co-ordinated by our Project Partner, Future Energy Pty Ltd and being overseen by the Association.

Once all these pieces of the jigsaw are in place, The Co-operative, under the guidance of Future Energy, will issue a Product Disclosure Statement (known as a prospectus) and raise the required funds to build the wind park. All residents will have the opportunity to become a member of The Co-operative and own a part of the local wind park. Members will then receive returns from the profits of the wind park.