May 10, 2013
Australia

Epuron responds

Yass Tribune | May 10, 2013 | www.yasstribune.com.au

Epuron told the Tribune it has a number of concerns about the recent survey conducted by Yass Landscape Guardians (see page 1).

Andrew Wilson, a construction manager with Epuron, said guardians was not an unbiased organisation.

“The survey was not conducted by an independent organisation or by someone with any expertise with these assessments.”

He also disputed that the survey was “authenticated” by Galaxy Research.

“Their letter (Galaxy’s) only comments on the standards applied and the response rate, without any reference to the information on which they base this comment, and makes no comment on the quality or veracity of the survey.

“Yass Valley Landscape Guardians are known to be opponents to wind farms and by carrying out the survey directly (as they state) may have directly or indirectly influenced the responses,” Mr Wilson said.

“Accordingly, we do not intend to respond to the survey results directly.”

The manager said that Epuron is mindful of the concerns but “the specific leanings of residents (whether they are for or against wind farms) cannot be used to inform good decisions about wind farm development either by Epuron or by the planning authorities”.

“Of far greater import is the information residents have about the local community and specific issues that may be raised with respect to a wind farm, to allow Epuron and the planning authorities to adjust its proposal to suit local conditions including local impacts.

“This is why Epuron’s consultation is so extensive, and focuses not on opinion but on understanding possible impacts, whether they are good or bad.

“Further details on the proposed wind farm, including the justification and the need for renewable energy projects like the Yass Valley Wind Farm and details of the planning approval process can be found on our website www.epuron.com.au/project/yass-valley/downloads.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/05/10/epuron-responds/