February 12, 2008
Australia
Australia
Pastoralists are determined to fight the New South Wales Government’s decision to forcibly acquire land near Silverton in the far west.
Landholders were told last week that land originally mooted for the proposed wind farm development would be withdrawn from their pastoral lease, under section 43B of the Western Lands Act.
Lands Minister Tony Kelly says the acquisition will provide security for the wind farm.
Mr Kelly says under the current pastoral lease requirements, the land cannot be used for any other purpose.
But Ross Andrews from the West Darling Pastoralists Association says the Government is in for a fight.
“At this stage they’re looking to resume some 70,000 acres which is taking some land off four of the landholders,” he said.
“I’ve also been informed that there seems to be three of the homesteads that are involved in this acquisition, which leaves the graziers in a very, very awkward situation of their future.”
Mr Kelly says he would be more than happy to discuss the matter further with Mr Andrews.
Mr Kelly says he will be doing his best to ensure landholders are adequately compensated for the loss of land, but he says plans for the wind farm’s development could still change.
“See, none of this might happen if they don’t get planning approval, I’m not aware that they’ve got it yet,” he said.
The ABC has been informed that wind farm developers Epuron will today meet delegates from the Department of Lands and Western Lands to discuss the matter further.
Epuron has declined to make public comment until after it has held its meeting.
12 February 2008
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/02/12/farmers-promise-wind-farm-land-fight/