April 3, 2013
Australia

100 oppose wind farm

Residents of Crudine, Pyramul and surrounding villages have sent clear messages to the developer planning a potential 100-turbine wind farm in their region.

From more than 130 submissions on Wind Prospect CWP’s Environmental Assessment, only one couple in those villages has publicly declared their support of the development.

Pyramul’s Joan and Don Price made a submission on February 20 stating they would much rather a wind farm than a coal mine in the area.

Other supporters include Chris Pavich (Mid-Western Community Action Network), David Halpin (Beragoo Estate Progress Association), Neville Mattick (Hargraves), Buz Sanderson (Sanderson & MacDonald), Deborah Cooke (Rylstone) and Jennifer More (Rylstone District Environment Society Inc).

But according to the Environmental Assessment submissions, supporters are in the minority. More than 100 respondents have objected to the project. About 20 have made comments but do not support or object.

This is in contrast to the results of a public opinion survey released in June 2011 by Wind Prospect CWP. The survey showed about 70 per cent of participants supported the $300 million project.

It appears no direct turbine beneficiaries of the proposed development have chosen to submit comments on the Environmental Assessment.

Pyramul’s Ron and Judy Olson, like many objectors, have declared roads and potential property devaluation among their concerns.

“The damage to sealed sections of the road [is] bad enough, but consider the damage to the unsealed sections. In the event of a heavy vehicle breakdown on a narrow section of the road, service vehicles would have either way (from Bathurst or Mudgee) a 70-80km trip; what happens then in an emergency, or people travelling to Mudgee to keep an appointment,” the Olson’s submission said.

Representing the Crudine Ridge Environment Protection Group, Owain Rowland-Jones has submitted a massive document picking apart almost every point of Wind Prospect CWP’s assessment.

Crudine’s Mary Miller, who will be less than two kilometres from the project, believes construction will be destructive to her health as well as a koala colony nearby.

Crudine’s Heather George submitted visual amenity problems along with bush fire and aerial risks. Like other submissions, she also believes the development will ruin her chances of paying for retirement by selling her land.

Pyramul’s Brian English opposes the project because he has to look after an ill father in Windeyer.

NSW Member for Orange Andrew Gee has opposed the project for several reasons including turbine proximity to homes and quality of roads.

To view all submissions, including state government departments, local councils and members of the public, visit http://bit.ly/16gwCpq