September 6, 2011
Australia

Group push for wind regulation

www.barossaherald.com.au 6 September 2011

Members opposing the wind farm proposed at Keyneton urge the SA Government to adopt Victoria’s guidelines before approving any more wind turbine developments.

The group, who work under the Eastern Mount Lofty Ranges Landscape Guardians Incorporated (EMRLG), say they welcome the recognition by the Victorian Government that wind turbines have an impact on individuals and committees forced to endure the noise and physical eye sore of towering machinery.

The 30 opposing members from Keyneton, Sedan, Cambrai and Eden Valley say the set back of five kilometres from regional towns, places the turbines on the edge of the “sometimes” noise zone, and will alleviate the domineering effect to some extent.

The Keyneton development includes 57 wind turbines planned by Victorian company Pacific Hydro and tagged for the Sedan Ranges.

Spokesperson of the group Tony Walker said, “Although a step in the right direction, the two kilometre set back for individual dwellings is nonetheless inappropriate, because it does not afford such dwellings the same protection as dwellings within townships”.

“The question must be asked – why are families and individuals not as important as town dwellers?”

He said food producers and landholders are still allowed to be the victims of the wind turbine companies.

“If five kilometres is deemed necessary for towns, then logically the same provision must be extended to all dwellings irrespective of their location,” Mr Walker said.

EMRLG considers that five kilometres should be the minimum set back from wind turbines for any dwelling irrespective of its location, unless the occupiers of that dwelling agrees in writing to a different distance.

They now work to urge the SA Government to adopt this policy before approving any more wind turbine developments.

“This announcement by the Victorian Government simply begins to redress what has been a gross imbalance of priorities and is welcomed as a refreshing show of courage.

“EMRLG encourages the SA Government to follow Victoria’s example and adopt tighter regulation of the wind turbine industry,” Mr Walker said.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/09/06/group-push-for-wind-regulation/