April 2, 2013
Australia

Windfarm prompts heritage concerns

A Bodangora farmer has raised concerns about tunnels at an old mine collapsing, should a proposed windfarm in the region go ahead.

Infigen Energy’s 200 million dollar 30 turbine proposal, north-east of Wellington, is being assessed by the state Planning Department.

Michael Lyons says the windfarm backs onto three sides of his property, with the nearest turbine just over two kilometres from his farm.

He believes Infigen’s heritage studies have failed to recognise potential impacts blasting may have on local landmarks, like the St Paul’s Church, the War Memorial and others.

“The Kaiser mine at Bodangora is only 160 metres way from the proposed footings of the nearest turbine,” he said.

“No one knows where exactly the tunnels go.

“But one thing’s for sure, when they start blasting in that area, those holes will collapse.

“That’ll be a lost heritage item.”

Mr Lyons is urging the Wellington Council to do more of its own research on the planned windfarm.

“The council probably need to get themselves further up to speed.

“That’s not a criticism of the Wellington Council.

“They’ve probably been, no doubt, liaising with the proponent, but they don’t take the proponent’s word for it.

“They go out and do their own research and talk to people around the area.”

URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/04/02/windfarm-prompts-heritage-concerns/

Click here to print.