July 30, 2013
Australia

Concerns raised at wind farm hearing

ABC News | Jul 30, 2013 | www.abc.net.au

Residents who raised concerns at a hearing into a proposed wind farm in Wellington, are being praised for remaining composed and well behaved.

The Planning Assessment Commission (PAC) held the forum into Infigin Energy’s Bodangora wind project yesterday, where around 50 groups and individuals spoke.

The proposal to build up to 33 turbines has been given approval by the State Planning Department, but it still needs to get the nod from the PAC.

Wellington Mayor, Rod Buhr, says the majority of speakers opposed the development and common concerns were raised.

“Noise, the perceived health risks associated with wind farms and also another fairly big issue was the possible devaluation of properties that are affected by the footprint of the wind farms.

“So they were the three key sort of issues that people who were opposed to the project were raising.”

He says the hearing lasted for almost four hours.

“I was very happy that people remained composed, that there wasn’t any argy bargy or argument or anything like that.

“People certainly had the opportunity to express their feelings, which many people did, but it was conducted in a very, very, you know, a good manor.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/07/30/concerns-raised-at-wind-farm-hearing/