January 18, 2007
Australia
Australia
A proposal to build a $32 million wind farm at Black Springs, near Oberon, is before the State Department of Planning.
The Black Springs wind farm, to be located on private property, three kilometres from the village, includes nine turbine generators which could create enough energy to power up to 5,000 homes.
Wind Corporation Australia director Mark Fogerty says it would be of economic and environmental benefit to the region.
“I think there’s a good knock-on effect into the community, as well as production of renewable energy which is a very important part of our future,” he said.
Mr Fogerty says there is criticism of the way wind farms look in country areas, but this development will have little impact on the local scenery.
“What we’ve been able to do as part of this development is minimalise visual amenities so there won’t be a concern for the locals who are worried about the look of the wind farms and wind farms are a very personal choice,” he said.
Oberon Shire Council general manager Bruce Fitzpatrick says some residents may be opposed to the look of the wind farm but he is yet to gauge the community’s response.
“At this point in time it’s too early to tell and we’ll go through the normal process and see where it takes us,” he said.
He says the council will pass on the community’s response to the project to the State Government.
“The increased generation of electricity through wind power has got to be a good thing and provided it has minimal impact on the local community then perhaps the complaints or objections to the proposal may not be as strong as you might otherwise think,” he said.
The project will be on display at Oberon Shire Council chambers until March 9.
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/01/18/govt-to-assess-wind-farm-plan/