August 25, 2010
Australia

Moorabool wind farm appeal

by Elizabeth Allen, Moorabool Leader, moorabool-leader.whereilive.com.au 25 August 2010

The developers of a proposed wind farm knocked back by Moorabool Council will take their case to VCAT – but the council is standing by its decision.

In June councillors rejected plans for a three-turbine wind farm at Pykes Hill, Greendale, saying an adequate study and assessment of the impact the wind farm would have on wildlife and amenity was not provided.

The developer of the proposed wind farm, Future Energy, will now appeal the decision, managing director David Shapero announced last week.

“We are surprised by the council’s decision in this matter as we believe our application fully meets all the requirements of the Victorian policy and planning guidelines for the development of wind energy,” Mr Shapero said.

He said the proposed development posed “much lower landscape and sound impacts than other wind farm developments” and would not impact on local aviation, wildlife and the environment.

“Extensive independent assessments have confirmed that the wind farm will not impact native flora and fauna, local television reception, or local heritage values,” he said.

Mr Shapero said if the wind farm went ahead it would produce 18,000 megawatt hours of energy each year, which could cater for more than 3,000 households.

The appeal comes after the council adopted the Moorabool Wind Energy Facility Policy at last week’s meeting.

The policy received 24 submissions with 22 in support.

Under the policy a two kilometre buffer will be required between wind farms and houses with the buffer to be entirely on the developer’s land and all powerlines to be underground.

Developers will have to assess the impact of a wind farm on residents and animals, and look at noise, shadow flicker, blade glint, and the effect on the landscape and deterioration of roads infrastructure.

Moorabool mayor Pat Toohey said council was resolute in its decision and would use the wind farm policy adopted at last week’s council meeting to defend their position at VCAT.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2010/08/25/moorabool-wind-farm-appeal/