February 20, 2013
Australia

Turbine turmoil reflects failed guidelines

The Border Watch | February 20, 2013 |

News Acciona Energy has dropped its $70m plan to construct 46 turbines in the South East reflects planning and development disorder under the Weatherill Labor Government, according to the state Liberal Party.

“Acciona Energy planned to create up to 360 full-time jobs by building 46 wind turbines east of Allendale,” Liberal economic and regional development and energy spokesperson Martin Hamilton-Smith said.

“From today that investment has gone with the wind.”

He said the announcement would be welcomed by Allendale East residents who were opposed to the development and lamented by those who welcomed investment and job creation.

Mr Hamilton-Smith said Labor had failed to establish a clear set of guidelines for wind farms.

“The cancellation of this project under the watch of new Premier Jay Weatherill shows that Labor is failing on job creation in the South East while at the same time failing the environment,” he said.

But Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Tom Koutsantonis said billions of dollars of investment and thousands of local jobs were at risk from a short-sighted view on wind farms by the Liberals.

“This government recognises the role renewable energy plays in providing clean power and economic benefi ts to the state,” Mr Koutsantonis said.

“The combined proposed projects and completed wind farms in South Australia totals $8b worth of investment into this state.”

He said $5b worth of investment and thousands of jobs in regional communities were under threat from a moratorium on wind farm developments proposed by the Liberal Party.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/02/20/turbine-turmoil-reflects-failed-guidelines/