March 18, 2013
Australia

Wellington Airfield not affected by windfarm plan

ABC News | March 18, 2013 | www.abc.net.au

A company wanting to build a windfarm near Wellington says the project cannot be held up by federal government recommendations, that more research be carried out into turbines’ affects on human health.

Infigen wants to build up to 40 turbines near the village of Bondangora.

More than 160 submissions were lodged to the state planning department about the proposal, raising concerns about the windfarm’s impact on resident’s health and on the nearby Wellington Airfield.

Infigen says although a federal Senate Committee’s recommended further studies to be carried out into the affects of windfarms, that has no bearing on the assessment of windfarms in New South Wales.

The company says the state already takes a precautionary approach to windfarm developments.

Infigen says it will upgrade sections of roads near the development and the windfarm will have positive flow on effects for the local economy.

A 15 page report, part of Infigen’s response on its proposed windfarm says aerial spraying of fertilisers and pesticides will still be able to occur on nearby farmland, but that could be restricted during certain wind conditions or when it is calm.

The airfield is often used at night for prisoner transfers at the nearby Wellington Correctional Facility.

But Infigen says planes will not be affected.

The company has refuted claims it did not carry out enough public consultation on the proposal saying it has had face to face meetings with local landholders, spoken to the Wellington Council and held community information days.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/03/18/wellington-airfield-not-affected-by-windfarm-plan/