October 5, 2012
Australia

Wind farm concerns

Cimara Pearce | October 4, 2012 | The Weekly Times | www.weeklytimesnow.com.au

The proposed Bald Hills wind farm was debated at a community meeting yesterday.

The meeting, held by Federal Senator John Madigan, saw about 40 concerned residents discuss the impacts of wind farms on communities as well concerns regarding construction of the proposed Bald Hills wind farm.

Senator Madigan said he would continue to raise concerns about the proposed wind farm.

“Today I saw the flourishing environments that this wind farm will not only be disturbing, but potentially destroying,” Senator Madigan said.

“The South Gippsland community have genuine concerns about the construction of turbines in an area they have devoted years into cultivating into thriving wetlands brimming with wildlife.

“This is a resilient community and their fight is a long way from over. I am hopeful that we can get a good outcome which is socially, economically and environmentally responsible.”

Meanwhile on the other side of the state, the first turbines were switched on and started turning at the Macarthur wind farm yesterday.

Joint partners AGL and Meridian said the milestone had occurred following a 23 month construction process.

Wind farm project manager Jeff Trompf said at construction peak the local workforce reached more than 400 people.

“We are excited to see the turbines start to turn at Macarthur and look forward to the wind farm becoming fully operational,” Mr Trompf said.

The wind farm is located across three mixed farming properties that comprise about 5,500ha in total.

All 140 of the wind farm’s turbines are expected to be on and operational by early next year at which point it will generate about 420 megawatts of clean energy annually.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/10/05/wind-farm-concerns/