Value reflects investment

Northern Grampians Shire Council has reported a sharp rise in value of planning and building permits in the municipality.

It has reported that during the past two quarters, the total value of building permits issued came in at just over $13-million.

This compared with $6.2-million for the previous two quarters.

The number of building permits also increased from 76 to 92 over the same timeframe.

The total value of planning permits has gone well beyond the previous financial year, rising from $14.7-million in 2017-18 to $193-million in 2018-19. The total number of planning permits has remained consistent during the two financial years, rising from 86 in 2017-18 to 89 in 2018-19.

Mayor Kevin Erwin said the major increase in value was due to many of the large-scale projects underway across the shire, including the Bulgana Green Power Hub.

“We’re seeing significant dollars being invested into our shire, which is proof that things are on the up. It’s an exciting time for our community,” he said.

Bulgana Green Power Hub, meanwhile continues to take shape, with all 56 wind turbines in place, and demobilisation of plant equipment from the site to occur during the next two to three weeks.

Expectations are for Neoen Bulgana Wind Farm commissioning in mid-october, which will lead into the Nectar Farms glasshouse development of the hub. The glasshouse project is awaiting a first-stage building permit from the council.