January 9, 2012
Australia

Pegler calls for wind farm change

The Border Watch, www.borderwatch.com.au 9 January 2012

Mount Gambier MP Don Pegler was among 275 individuals and organisations who have made submissions to the State Government on the new Wind Farm Development Amendment (DPA).

Mr Pegler, along with several South East residents, local councils and the South Australian Farmers Federation, have made submissions to the Department of Planning and Local Government.

The government called for submissions as part of a public consultation process shortly after the DPA was announced by former Premier Mike Rann in October last year, including restricting people’s rights to object to new wind farm developments near their homes.

In his submission, Mr Pegler objected to the DPA on the grounds of aesthetics and the proposed short distances between turbines and dwellings.

“I object to the separation distances of 1km from residences and 2km from townships,” he said in his submission.

“These distances should be at least 2km and 5km respectively.”

Mr Pegler also said he did not support the recommendation that wind farm developments were assigned Category 2 status, which removed the rights of residents to appeal to new developments.

Although supportive of renewable energy in South Australia, the South Australian Farmers Federation (SAFF) objected to wind farm developments on farm land on the grounds that it could compromise the future of land adjacent to wind farms.

“If turbines were sited in remote areas and on land that had little agricultural value, then SAFF would have no major concerns,” the peak agricultural organisation said.

“However, turbines are being placed on highly valued, highly productive and reliable broadacre cropping land.”

SAFF also raised concerns over the inability of fire-bombing planes to fly near turbines, which could compromise the safety of farmers and rural communities.

The written submissions will be followed by public consultation meetings across the state in the next few weeks, during which submitters will have the chance to present their views verbally.

A consultation meeting will also be held at the Naracoorte Town Hall at 7pm on Tuesday, January 24.

Mr Pegler and several South East residents have requested to speak at the Naracoorte meeting.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/01/09/pegler-calls-for-wind-farm-change/