January 25, 2013
Australia
Australia
A tribunal submission has been put forward to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) voicing concerns that the $100 million Cherry Tree Wind Farm project could increase the risk of fire in the already fire-prone area.
Infigen Energy’s 56 megawatt Cherry Tree wind farm development in Victoria is battling a barrage of complaints and concerns from residents in the area and the Mitchell Shire Council.
Noise levels and possible health effects from the turbines have been the main focus of concern from locals, but Mitchell Shire Council denied Infigen a planning permit citing the wind farm would have a detrimental effect on native fauna and flora.
Infigen’s wind farm application will be the first to reach the VCAT since new planning rules were introduced by the Coalition Government giving homeowners the right to veto turbine developments within 2 kilometres of homes.
No formal complaint has been made by the CFA, however CFA member Sutton Waugh composed the group tribunal submission.
The tribunal submission accuses Infigen of ignoring CFA guidelines regarding wind farm developments.
The submission states, “The development of 16 wind turbines on top of Cherry Tree Range will increase the risk of fire and bushfire to the area.”
“In relation to the Trawool Valley and Whiteshead Creek, this undoubtedly would have disastrous effects on the whole area and the residents within, should an industrial turbine complex start a fire anywhere within this area,” it continues.
The VCAT hearing will commence on January 29 and run for 12 days.
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/01/25/cherry-tree-wind-farm-a-fire-risk/