Because of Australia's excellent wind resource, generating electricity from the wind is feasible in a variety of locations throughout the country. However, not all locations or conditions are conducive to wind farm developments. A number of factors such as proximity to the transmission grid, access, ecology and archaeology, cultural significance, visual impact, and location to residential dwellings, must all be taken into account when evaluating the potential of a site. 

The Sapphire Wind Farm site has been selected after an initial review of the above factors. Further site specific investigations and consultation are currently taking place to examine the potential effects in more detail. These consultations and studies will come together in time to form an Environmental Assessment (EA) which is submitted to the NSW Department of Planning. Only after development approval has been granted can construction begin.

Proposed site for the Sapphire Wind Farm (view from Sinclair Lookout).