Sounds very much like a worn belt. Haven't head it in Australia on Mondeos (not enough around with high mileage) but on Ford Falcons in Oz (4L 6 cyl in line) with reasonable no. of kilometres on them (over about 120000km = approx 75000mi) they make this characteristic whining noise at start up and until warm. They often make it from off idle as accelerating (auto models) and do it worse when cold.
Dont wait for it to break or you'll be in for a long walk when the belt eventually dies and you overheat the engine (and a costly rebuild).
