Planning crucial, council informed
A recent report to the Tararua District council has highlighted the need for wind farms to be included in planning.
“Unless we consider the integration of wind farms into our Tararua landscape and make decisions about whether, where and how we may accommodate them, we may well get a lower tolerance level for wind farms from our residents and an unsightly landscape,” said planning solutions consultant Anne Hilson.
The report said the district currently generates 94.7 percent of the country’s wind power production and with proper planning there were opportunities for both council and individuals to benefit.
It said incorporating energy issues during planning and “encouraging a change in mindset from mere appreciation of landscape beauty to landscape utility” would enable the district to become a leader in renewable energy.
Current wind power developers Trustpower and Wind Farm Developments are already proposing to extend their capacity to almost double production around the Tararua district.
Manawatu Standard
7 April 2007
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Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
