May 22, 2008
Australia
Australia
A national company planning to construct a wind farm east of Mount Bryan is laying community concerns to rest.
AGL Energy Australia has confirmed the proposed Hallett Three wind farm east of Mount Bryan would not threaten ancient trees in the area.
Of most concern is the eucalyptus bicostata trees, a striking feature of the local landscape.
The company has promised it will consult the community before submitting a planning application to Goyder Regional Council in June or July. This would follow extensive negotiations with ecologists and the University of Tasmania.
AGL gas and power development general manager, Mike Moraza, said the company would prepare an environmental impact statement to support its application.
“AGL has a strong commitment to sustainable development and we will be including appropriate buffer zones and other measures to protect the eucalyptus bicostata trees and any other significant trees or flora,” he said.
“It is considered on the whole the local community is supportive of our presence and the important role our wind assets being developed there will play in meeting Australia’s future renewable energy requirements.”
Goyder assistant building surveyor Steve Redden said council could not give an opinion on the possible environmental impact but there have been community concerns on other aspects of AGL’s cluster of wind farms in the area.
Four Hallett residents wrote to council about interference with television reception caused by the operation of one of the wind farms.
Council contacted AGL to remind them of their obligations to ensure there is no impact on television reception or signals, with the company advising they would address the matter “right away”.
22 May 2008
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/05/22/clean-development/