June 20, 2013
Australia

Bodangora windfarm given departmental go ahead

ABC News | 20 June 2013 | www.abc.net.au

The Department of Planning has given conditional approval to a windfarm near Wellington.

Infigen Energy wants to erect up to 33 turbines at Bodangora and says the windfarm could generate enough power for around 35 thousand homes.

In a report submitted to the Planning Assessment Commission (PAC) this week, the Planning Department says of the 163 submissions it received last year on the project’s Environmental Assessment, 142 objected to the windfarm.

The Department says concerns were raised about noise, vibration and the turbine’s impact on the landscape, but found the windfarm would provide for a greater level of community access to renewable energy.

It considers the project to be justified and in the public interest and should be approved subject to more than 100 conditions, including that a Bird and Bat Adaptive Management Program be established prior to construction.

The Department says the windfarm would create 80 jobs during construction and four in an ongoing capacity.

The Department’s recommended the Commission approve the windfarm too.

The PAC will consider the report and likely hold a public meeting on the proposal, before a determination’s made.

Infigen Energy has also asked the state government for permission to build a windfarm at Flyer’s Creek, near Carcoar.

The Planning Department has just published the company’s response to public submissions made on the development, on its website.

The document addresses community concerns about the windfarm, particularly impacts on health.

A spokesman for Infigen says the Department will now prepare an assessment on the project, which will be provided to the Planning Assessment Commission.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/06/20/bodangora-windfarm-given-departmental-go-ahead/