The New South Wales Government plans to fast-track renewable energy projects in the state’s south-east.

The Far South Coast and Monaro are among six areas to be included in a green energy planning initiative.

Benefits include a four-month planning turn-around, access to staff dedicated to regional projects and a moratorium on fees until June 2011.

Member for Monaro Steve Whan says the region has been selected because of dependable wind patterns.

“The key thing about wind energy is that you need a steady supply of the basic ingredient, natures wind,” he said.

“That’s certainly something we’ve got and … we seem to have almost too much of it right at the moment.

“We’ve got a terrific wind resource in the area.

“We’ve also got strong community grass roots support for clean energy.”