Court's turbine decision hailed as a victory
Permission to build four more turbines — a mere four of at least 38 extra Motorimu wanted — has been hailed as a victory by opponents of the wind farm and they say there are ramifications for other planned farms like Turitea.
They gathered at Aokautere’s Rendezvous bar last night for celebratory drinks and to reflect on a two-year battle.
“There were huge resources against us,” Millricks Line resident Alison Mildon said, but the fight had to be fought. “There are adverse effects, it is not a benign industry,” she said.
An Environment Court appeal decision released this week allows 79 turbines (four more than the number previously given consent), but it effectively hamstrings the Tokomaru project, casting doubt on its viability.
“[The ruling is] a demonstration that when you truly believe in something, and your arguments are reasonable and fair, it is possible sometimes to succeed,” Ms Mildon said. Plenty of people had told her not to bother trying.
Of potential importance for the Turitea proposal near Palmerston North is that the decision took into account the cumulative effect of Manawatu wind farms.
Tararua-Aokautere Guardians spokeswoman Sue Stewart said the turbine sites near Tokomaru ruled out by the court were the most visually intrusive.
“The Environment Court recognised that this particular development is too big, too close to people’s homes, and that people matter.
“It’s pleasing the court listened to the concerns of the community.”
State-owned Mighty River Power plans to build up to 131 turbines in the Turitea catchment and on neighbouring properties.
Dr Stewart said this development also would have a significant impact on the landscape and the turbines would be close to people’s homes.
Palmerston North city councillor Michael Feyen was at the gathering “to help these folks celebrate”.
He hoped the court ruling would stop the Government using Manawatu as a “dumping ground” for turbines.
Cr Feyen said there were no best-practice guidelines for establishing wind farms in the region.
By Grant Miller
4 October 2008
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