A group of residents say Whanganui should consider building its own means of energy production and have asked the council to consider areas within the district where such a project could take place.
Sara Dickon, Donna Mummery and Graeme Smith say a wind farm in the district would provide the district with energy security and had the potential to earn the council income through leasing land to wind-farm operators.
The group made a submission to Whanganui District Council's annual plan following a visit to Te Rere Hau Wind Farm in Manawatu. That, along with a proposed wind farm in South Taranaki, convinced them one in Whanganui would be viable. The group said other means of renewable energy, such as solar, should also be considered.