Principal contractor Downer has already signed contracts with local businesses to undertake work on the $450 million project.

Ararat Rural City Mayor, Cr Paul Hooper said he has seen first hand a rise in community confidence and spirit.

"It's fantastic to see the physical benefits of the project coming to fruition especially the opportunities for local employment," he said.

"It is an industry that can only exist in a rural environment, why wouldn't you grab the jobs and economic benefits?

"Even though it is the quietest time of the year in Barkly Street, just talking to the average punter, there is a positive vibe.

"It is reward for Ararat for the stand it has taken to support RES and this project."

Dale Bell Fencing was one of the first Ararat businesses to be offered an opportunity.

Mr Bell said he was to delighted to have secured the contract to provide initial fencing works.

"This work has provided security for my business," he said.

"It is close to town so it keeps travel time to a minimum and the revenue means that I can buy new equipment to invest in the future of my company."

Mr Bell has purchased most of his materials from local suppliers which, in turn, will help other local businesses.

Automotive dealer, Kings Cars, has also benefited from initial construction of the wind farm.

Manager Michael Smith said he was thrilled that developer RES had already purchased two vehicles for the project.

"This presents a great opportunity for the workshop with the on-going maintenance and service requirements of our fleets," he said.

"The additional work gives me greater confidence to reinvest in the business with the service contracts likely to coincide with an upgrade in facilities.

"We also hope to be able to secure further maintenance contracts with other contractors and subcontractors who will be working on the wind farm."

Ararat Wind Farm General manager Stuart Liddell said he was pleased to be able to give local businesses opportunities during construction of the wind farm

“We expect to continue to expand these during the coming months," he said.

Council chief executive officer Andrew Evans said it was important for residents to remember that it isn’t just businesses that benefit.

"It's not just jobs, it's the issue that every farm that has a wind turbine on it, is receiving off-farm income,” he said.

"What that does is make those farms more viable, makes those families have more disposable income which is spendable in the community.

"This has so many flow on effects that people don't realise.”

Mr Evans and Cr Hooper agreed the establishment of a community fund which puts money back into the region was also positive. 

"You have this enormous advantage that the money from wind farms goes out into the community, rather than it being a centralised dirty industrial process,” Mr Evans said. 

"The capacity that it builds within sporting clubs and charities is something that we all benefit from,” Cr Hooper said.

"We take it for granted that it exists, but it is something that doesn't exist in a lot of places.”

Once complete the Ararat Wind Farm will comprise of up to 75 turbines. 

Construction commenced last week and is expected to be completed in 2017. 

If you are interested in work opportunities with the Ararat Wind Farm, visit the construction page of the Ararat Wind Farm website, www.ararat-windfarm.com and submit your information.