Wind farm sound to be studied

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RMIT University is launching an extensive study into the impact of wind farm turbines on communities and individuals living near them.

Dr Sean MacDermott, Research Fellow at RMIT Hamilton campus, said there had been a lot of debate and discussion about the possibility that sound generated by wind farms may be linked to health problems.

“Although both sides of the debate agree on the need to answer this question once and for all, there have, to date, been no well-designed research studies that have adequately investigated this,” he said.

“It is necessary to conduct research and present the facts to the public, industry and government to inform decision-making.”

Dr MacDermott said the research team being gathered for the project would have expertise in acoustics, health, community participation, decision-making and social science.

“South West Victoria has been identified as a high wind resource region for the future and the proposal is to conduct research around current and proposed wind farms in the region,” he said.

“Wind farms have generated great public interest and the views are quite diverse.”

The researchers will address some of the many questions about wind turbines that have arisen and remain unanswered.

Dr MacDermott said RMIT’s Hamilton campus Potter Rural Community Research Network was not aligned to either side of the debate.

“Being based in South West Victoria is an ideal place to conduct credible unbiased research on this important issue,” he said.

For interviews: Dr Sean MacDermott, work (03) 5572 0537,
home (03) 5337 6691, 0499 240 000 or sean.macdermott@rmit.edu.au

For general media enquiries: RMIT University Hamilton,
Michelle van Loggerenberg, (03) 5572 0505, 0430 382 432 ormichelle.vanloggerenberg@rmit.edu.au

For a colour photo of Dr MacDermott: kevin.slack@rmit.edu.au
(03) 9925 1482 or 0439 499 008.

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