March 1, 2013
Australia

Silverton residents want to be paid for sand

By Margaret Paul | ABC News | 1 March 2013 | www.abc.net.au

Silverton residents want to be paid for sand that will be removed from nearby creeks as part of the Silverton Wind Farm project.

Energy company AGL, which owns the project, hosted a community meeting in the town last night to discuss it.

Construction is due to start next year.

AGL says it will remove sand from either Umberumberka Creek or Mundi Mundi Creek to make concrete for its turbines.

Rodney Grenfell, who lives near Umberumberka, says he is not fussed where the sand comes from, as long as the community is reimbursed.

“Someone’s got to get something out of it,” Mr Grenfell said.

“It’s whether they can get around the rigmarole to get it, that’s going to be the problem, but yeah, the town’s got to get something.”

Silverton residents also expressed concern about the visual impact of powerlines that will cross the Silverton Road.

Mr Grenfell says they could detract from the area’s pristine views.

“I think they’re going to stand out more than what they’re saying, but what can you do? It’s got to be crossed as it comes to as well,” he said.