April 27, 2011
Australia

Wind power draft plan released

Caitlin Andrews, The Scone Advocate, www.sconeadvocate.com.au 28 April 2011Caitlin Andrews, The Scone Advocate, www.sconeadvocate.com.au 28 April 2011

A draft development control plan for wind power generation has been put on public exhibition at the Upper Hunter Shire Council Administration Building.

After lengthy discussion, the council approved the draft plan at the April ordinary council meeting and it will be on exhibition for 28 days from that meeting.

The council recognised the need for and growing local interest in alternative renewable energy sources last year, as councillors were in the process of discussing the plan when the Kyoto Energy Park was approved.

The plan aims to establish controls and guidelines for future developments of wind farms in the Upper Hunter Shire as well as ensuring that wind power generation developments have a consistent approach in design, adequately cover environmental issues throughout all phases, achieve a built form that doesn’t interfere with the current context, doesn’t adversely impact the council’s infrastructure, doesn’t affect the health and amenity of the surrounding community and the public is actively consulted.

The Federal Government has established an expanded national Renewable Energy Target scheme aimed at delivering a commitment of ensuring 20 per cent of Australia’s electricity supply derives from renewable energy by 2020.

Upper Hunter Shire mayor Lee Watts said the council was aware areas in the shire have been identified as being potentially suitable for such developments.

She said the draft plan provides the community with an opportunity to comment on and participate in the wind power generation developments.

“This draft development control plan for wind power generation is aimed to assist and guide potential developers seeking to carry out wind power generation developments,” Cr Watts said.

“The council also wants to ensure that any such developments are appropriately located and do not impact significantly on he health, safety and amenity of the community or our environment.”

Submissions are welcomed.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/04/27/wind-power-draft-plan-released/