April 17, 2008
Australia

Wind farm proponent promises to hear concerns

The Roaring 40s Renewable Energy company says it will listen to community opinions as it finalises a proposal for a wind farm near Kyneton.

An application has been lodged with the Federal Government for a 34-turbine wind farm on agricultural land at Sidonia Hills.

If the Government deems it would have minimal impact on plants and animals, the company will seek state planning approvals.

The company’s Josh Bradshaw says it will work closely with the Macedon Ranges Council.

“The local councils and their planning department and the Department of Sustainability and Environment will be looking at an open day in June or July to showcase the development and have look at potentially what it will look like,” he said.

“[And to] give everyone an understanding of what we’ve been doing to date and what our intentions are moving forward and just to get as much feedback as we can from the local community.”

Meanwhile, the owner of a bed and breakfast homestead is fighting against the wind farm plan.

Susan Fox has an historic farming property overlooking the site.

She says the wind farm would devalue the whole area, while a few properties would benefit financially.

“I don’t know where the powerline will run because there are two houses on this property and the powerline runs between the two,” she said.

“I don’t want great pylons running across.”