March 26, 2012
Australia, Letters

Problems just keep mounting up

The Courier, www.thecourier.com.au 26 March 2012

I would like to respond to the article in The Courier by Claire Knox, “Wind Farm Cash Claim”.

I attended the VCAT hearing on February 28 and 29, 2012. This article gives a one-sided account of facts.

There is mention of the state government legislation of a two-kilometre distance setback from wind turbines and alludes to its impact on the Moorabool Wind project’s future. The Moorabool Wind project permit was issued under the Brumby government prior to the two-kilometre setback legislation being enacted. Therefore, this legislation has no impact on the Moorabool Wind project because it is not retrospective.

I would like to point out that West Wind Energy is seeking legal costs more to the tune in excess of $120,000. If these costs are awarded to West Wind Energy. I have no doubt they will be passed onto already financially embattled Moorabool Shire ratepayers or deducted from funds allocated towards more deserving community projects. The determination by VCAT over legal costs is to be held on May 4 2012 at 2pm.

This article and West Wind Energy’s actions are yet another example of very poor relationships between this wind farm company and the community for any would-be investors. The problems just keep mounting up. The question has to be asked: have landowners lost their “as of right use” to their land.

SUE DEAN

Ballan


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/03/26/problems-just-keep-mounting-up/