Tilt Renewables has started upgrading a five-kilometre stretch of the Hexham/Woorndoo Road leading to the proposed wind farm site, general manager for renewable development Clayton Delmarter said.

“This upgrade was a key requirement from Moyne Shire and we anticipate it will take five to six weeks,” he said.

“Construction of access roads and hard stand platforms (is) expected to commence in mid-September.”

The widening and sealing of the road will allow it to withstand the weight and volume of vehicles using it during the project’s construction. Tilt Renewables is also setting up a construction compound near the site.

“The project will create about 100 full-time direct jobs during its 12-month construction period and up to four ongoing permanent jobs,” Mr Delmarter said.

“It will also create new income streams for farmers and local businesses.”

Moyne Shire’s manager of planning Michelle Grainger said Tilt Renewables was given an extension to their permit by the council earlier this year but were told it would be the final one.

“(Tilt) have worked hard since April to ensure they were ready to start,” Ms Grainger said.

She said the shire was delighted to see progress on the wind farm, which will feature 15 turbines with a blade tip height of 150 metres.

“It’s a positive development for the northern areas of the shire,” Ms Grainger said.

The Salt Creek Wind Farm will have the potential to power more than 30,000 homes, or more than double the number of homes in Warrnambool.

Construction of turbine foundations will begin in October, followed by turbine component delivery in February, with construction completion expected in July 2018.