January 10, 2013
Australia

Council’s strong stand on Crookwell 3 wind farm

Crookwell Gazette | January 10, 2013 | www.crookwellgazette.com.au

Upper Lachlan Council will tell the State Department of Planning that if the Crookwell 3 wind farm developers do not “satisfactorily address” issues raised by Council, consent should not be granted.

At its December meeting, Council adopted requirements recommended by Director of Planning Mrs Tina Dodson, and added the “no consent” clause on the motion of Cr. Malcolm Barlow and Cr. John Searl.

Cr. Barlow emphasised the issues relating to prudent set-backs and to the cumulative impacts of the turbines.

In a lengthy and detailed report, Mrs. Dodson covered topics such as visual impact, noise, turbine location (with a minimum 2 kilometre set-back), interference with television, radio or wireless transmission, road works, decommissioning, grid connection and community enhancement funding.

Council itself has no authority in the approval process, which is fully in the hands of the State Department as the wind farm is regarded as of “State significance.”

The developers are required to work closely with local councils, but do not have to comply with Council’s Development Control Plan – a matter of considerable irritation for local authorities.

Upper Lachlan has already made its position clear on wind farms that do not comply with its DCP – it has urged the State Planners to reject the application for the Golspie wind farm.

Cr. Barlow had Council support in his comment: “If the proponent doesn’t satisfactorily address the issues, Council’s view is that consent should not be granted.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/01/10/councils-strong-stand-on-crookwell-3-wind-farm/