Mr Bartel said the company’s planned 10 new wind turbines, spanning from Low Head to Beechford, would transform area’s image and gave tourists an extra reason to visit.

“For a number of small towns on the mainland there is an increased level of tourist interest [when they install wind turbines],” he said.

The George Town Council approved an application for the Low Head Wind Farm to add an extra 10 wind turbines to its arsenal at Wednesday’s council meeting.

A number of representors submitted objections to the potential development, with the main issues centring around perceived visual and auditory disruption. 

However, the council voted five-to-two in favour of the development, with councillors noting that all appropriate planning approvals were adhered to in the process. 

Mr Bartel said the wind farm, already operating 10 wind turbines in the municipality, would offer a small electricity subsidy to any property owner within a 3-kilometre radius of the new turbines. 

“People who might see the turbines when they drive home, or at their house in a two to three-kilometre range, have asked the question, ‘If I can see them then what is the benefit to me?’,” Mr Bartel said.

“We can tell them holistically about the greater benefit to the state….but we want to go the extra step and we’d like to provide a benefit that’s associated with the activity.”

George Town mayor Bridget Archer excused herself from the vote as she had a conflict of interest in the matter – she was one of several landowners who would be affected by the new turbines. 

However, Cr Archer said the new development was an exciting opportunity for the region, which would create jobs.

“From council’s point of view, I think we are welcoming of developers looking at developing projects in the area,” she said.