January 10, 2012
Australia

Barossa groups voice their views over wind farms

Michelle O'Reilly, Barossa & Light Herald, www.barossaherald.com.au 10 January 2012

Barossa Council will make it clear this month; they do not support the introduction of the statewide wind farms development plan amendment for the area.

The council’s senior manager planning services Louis Monteduro will address the Development Policy Advisory committee next Tuesday evening, (January 17) in Adelaide.

In October 2011, the state government announced their proposed wind farm reforms that included state councils to be given greater responsibility, plus a dramatic reduction in public consultation over newly proposed wind farms within the state.

According to the state government, the proposed reforms are designed to facilitate further growth in the wind industry in SA.

However, in a letter addressed to the DPA committee, the council stated, ‘By its nature, the intent of the DPA contravenes the intent of the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale Protection Districts DPA and Character Preservation (Barossa Valle) Bill 2011.

The bill seeks to provide ‘certainty for future investment, balanced with a need to protect the rural landscapes that enhance the special character of the Barossa Valley’.

The council also opposes the proposed changes to the public notification with the state government wanting to

remove the capacity for appeal by third parties against proposals that use this approach and which are located in sparsely zones.

The state’s DPA advisory committee will also hear submissions that contest the 42-wind turbine farm from being built on the Sedan Ranges, near Keyneton.

The development has been lodged by Victorian based company Hydro Pacific.

Meanwhile, the group who oppose the proposed Keyneton wind farm will be protesting on the steps of parliament house in Adelaide, on the afternoon of Tuesday, January 17.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/01/10/barossa-groups-voice-their-views-over-wind-farms/