June 24, 2011
Australia

Wind farm opponents welcome Senate health report

ABC Rural, www.abc.net.au 24 June 2011

Rural groups concerned about wind farms are excited that a Senate inquiry report has recommended further health studies.

The Senate Committee has called on the Federal Government to look at possible effects of wind farms on human health.

Greens Senator Rachel Siewert says they didn’t find a direct link to the sickness described by some residents living near wind farms, but acknowledged the level of public fear.

Dr Sarah Laurie, from the group of concerned residents, the Waubra Foundation, welcomes the findings.

“I think the report is exciting. I think it’s wonderful the Senators have recognised there’s an urgent need for research,” he said.

“In particular, they’re recommending that infrasound and low frequency noise is looked at, because this is what we’ve been saying for some time.”

Russell Marsh, from the Clean Energy Council, says a health study should clear up lingering concerns, but it won’t slow development.

“It does highlight issues we need to think about… but there’s nothing in the report indicating we should be looking at stopping wind farm development right now.”

The Senate committee report on the impact of wind farms has done little to dampen heated debate about their health impacts around the Canberra district.

The chairman of the Booroowa Landscape Guardians Association, Charlie Arnott, says there’s plenty of evidence that the turbines are making people sick.

“I don’t feel safe about wind turbines at all,” he said.

“I’m pleased that they’ve acknowldged there’s an issue and that they are suggesting that health studies be carried out, but I’m not reassured by the inquiry’s report that anyone’s any safer with these things,” he said.

“I think it’s acknowledging that there is a big problem.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/06/24/wind-farm-opponents-welcome-senate-health-report/