December 28, 2006
Australia

Ballarat wind farm proposal

A battle over two wind farms could be on the horizon in the Ballarat district.

WestWind Energy plans to build the $180 million wind farms at Yendon and Elaine.

Though the projects are still in the early planning stages, WestWind Energy hopes to put up to 50 wind turbines on 4000ha of private land.

Each turbine would tower 120m above the ground from base to tip and is claimed to be capable of producing enough energy to power 1500 homes.

Residents within 3km of the sites were told of the company’s plans about three weeks ago.

WestWind Energy spokesman Grant Flynn said the company was now conducting feasibility and environmental studies on the farms with the aim of lodging a planning application with the State Government in the next 12 to 18 months.

But the development could face obstacles from Moorabool residents, who have blocked two other wind-farm planning applications in the shire.

Moorabool Shire councillor Pat Toohey said concerned residents had already approached him about the proposed wind farms.

“Their main concerns are to do with the impact on their view of the environment and the flicker effect from the shadows of the blades.”

Cr Toohey said the council knew little about WestWind Energy’s plans and was likely to be cut out of the consultation process because the planning application would go direct to the State Government.

But he warned: “If someone wants to put something up in the wrong place, it will not go ahead.”

Lal Lal Estate farmer Geoff Fisken said the wind farms would help drought-stricken farmers earn vital income. Mr Fisken is in discussions with WestWind Energy to site the Yendon wind farm on his 2000ha family property.

news.com.au


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2006/12/28/ballarat-wind-farm-proposal/