January 22, 2007
New Zealand

Wind farm worries historians

A windfarm that is supposed to secure a brighter future could affect Central Otago’s fragile past, the Central Otago branch of the Historic Places Trust said.

Trust Central Otago chairman Graye Shattky was yesterday concerned about the effect Meridian Energy’s Project Hayes could have on remnants of regional history.

Many members were worried how the 176-turbine wind farm on the Lammermoor Range could affect the Old Dunstan Rd and associated historic sites, he said.

They were probably just as worried that New Zealand develop sustainable energy sources but they wanted to be sure it would not seriously compromise links to the past.

The trust would attend a public open day at Meridian’s second wind farm development, the White Hill Wind Farm near Mossburn, to see its effects on the environment.

The community organisers of the February 4 open day yesterday confirmed unprecedented interest in the one-off open day.

Community open day organising committee spokeswoman Sue Anderson said about 3500 people had already registered. Up to 14 buses would take some to the site.

The first buses would leave the Mossburn Community Centre at 8am, with others leaving each hour.

The trips could be extended to 6pm to meet demand, she said.

Pre-registrations cost $15. Otherwise, a bus ride will cost $15, and entry to the activities and entertainment will cost $5.

Entry is free for students. Money raised will go to Northern Southland community projects.

Registration forms are available from Classic Hits in Invercargill, Hokonui Gold in Gore, the Invercargill i-SITE at the Southland Museum and Art Gallery, and all Southland District Council area offices and libraries.

By STAFF REPORTER – The Southland Times

stuff.co.nz


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/01/22/wind-farm-worries-historians/