December 16, 2010
Australia

Wind farm national inquiry

By Brooke Neindorf, www.abc.net.au 16 December 2010

The Eyre Peninsula Local Government Association wants more involvement in the planning process of wind farms.

Earlier this year Premier Mike Rann stated that there’s enormous potential for more wind farms in SA; including 5,000 extra turbines on the Eyre Peninsula.

Executive officer of the EP LGA, Diana Laube says the association is not against future wind farms, but they want more say for councils and communities.

The Association has made a submission to a national Senate inquiry suggesting better planning processes need to be put in place.

The inquiry is looking into the social and economic impact of rural wind farms such as adverse health effects for people living in close proximity to wind farms; excessive noise and vibrations emitted by wind farms and the impact of rural wind farms on property values.

The Clean Energy Council plays a big part in the planning process of wind farms.

Policy director Russell Marsh sent through this statement “they have found no concerns with health or economic issues and they are aware of working with councils and communities to get the wind farm process right.”

“The National Health and Medical Research Council has reviewed the issue of health and wind turbines and has said There is currently no published scientific evidence to positively link wind turbines with adverse health effects.

Also there is no evidence of wind farms having a negative effect on property values.

We do need to keep working to make sure we get the planning process right. Wind farms can bring real economic benefits for regional communities, but it’s important that local communities are properly consulted and local concerns continue to be addressed.”

Submissions are due by February 10th 2011.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2010/12/16/wind-farm-national-inquiry/