September 3, 2013
Australia

PAC approves Bodangora windfarm, but mayor doesn’t expect construction to start soon

ABC News | 3 Sep 2013 | www.abc.net.au

A controversial wind farm project near Wellington has been given the go ahead.

The Planning Assessment Commission (PAC) has given the final approval for the 33 turbine Bodangora windfarm, after conducting a public hearing in the town in July.

But Wellington Mayor, Rod Buhr, says he does not expect work on the Infigen Energy project to start “anytime soon” because of an oversupply of wholesale electricity.

He says the approval will get a mixed reaction.

“Obviously people who are directly affected by the wind farm, who put up a case at the last PAC meeting would be disappointed by this decision, there’s absolutely no doubt about that,” he said.

“The broader community, I don’t think would share the same sentiment.”

Councillor Buhr says an oversupply of wholesale electricity will most likely delay work starting of the wind farm.

“When we spoke to the proponent last about this, they hadn’t actually secured any electricity contracts at this stage,” he said.

“So they were going to be out doing that once the project was approved and we got the impression from what they were saying that that wasn’t going to be an easy thing.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/09/03/pac-approves-bodangora-windfarm-but-mayor-doesnt-expect-construction-to-start-soon/