N.P. Power, a subsidiary of US company National Power Group, has lodged a notice of intent with the Environment Protection Authority for a Cattle Hill Wind Farm development, which would be situated close to Lake Echo and Waddamana Power Station.

Between 50 and 70, 80-metre high towers would be built for the three megawatt turbines, which would have blades stretching 125 metres vertically.

Cattle Hill Wind Farm would generate about 200 megawatts of power. In comparison, Woolnorth, on the state's far north-west, generates 140 megawatts while the Musselroe at Cape Portland will generate 129 megawatts.

A spokesman for N.P. Power could not be contacted for comment yesterday but the company's notice of intent said that it would soon lodge a development application for two meteorological masts with the Central Highlands Council, so that it could measure wind resources to decide on the exact placement of the turbines.

The project also needs State and Federal government approval, with a development proposal and environment management plan to be submitted by December.

If approved, site preparation for turbine delivery and transmission infrastructure could start late next year.

But the project faces one major hurdle that has stopped similar developments in the past.

N. P. Power had identified that wedge-tailed eagles and white- bellied sea eagles inhabit the region, with two nests existing on the wind farm site.

"A comprehensive management plan will be developed and proposed to mitigate any potential impacts," the company said.

National Power has in the past few years developed a 240 megawatt wind farm at Lake Bonney in South Australia, small biomass plants in Western Australia and Queensland and a 140 megawatt wind farm in NSW.

Written submissions on the EPA's draft guidelines for the Cattle Hill project close tomorrow.

It coincides with revelations that Tasmanian company Eco Energy Solutions will soon build a manufacturing plant, most likely at Bell Bay.

George Town Mayor Doug Burt welcomed the news, saying the projected employment of 400 people would be a major boost.

Cr Burt said that the council would do all it could to ensure the development went ahead at Bell Bay.

Greens leader Nick McKim also welcomed the news.