November 1, 2013
Australia

Legal setback for anti-wind farm residents

By ROSEMARY BOLGER | The Advocate | Nov. 1, 2013 | www.theadvocate.com.au

King Island residents have suffered a set back in their legal bid to stop Hydro Tasmania going ahead with a $2 billion wind farm on the island.

The No TasWind Farm Group have been ordered to narrow the scope of its legal claim which was described by Justice Duncan Kerr as ”sprawling and inarticulate”.

Hydro Tasmania has moved to have the application struck out and is also seeking security of costs from the group.

During a Federal Court hearing this morning in Hobart, barrister Andrew Wood admitted his client did not have the resources to pay adverse legal costs.

However, he said there were other things to consider such as the significance of the case and referred to the Tasmanian Conservation Trust’s case against Gunns which was allowed to proceed without security provided.

The group is arguing Hydro failed to gain broad community support for the project after repeatedly stating that it would not go ahead with a feasibility study without 60 per cent of residents in favour.

Hydro Tasmania has denied the allegations and says the 60 per cent figure was never set as a pre-requisite.

The matter has been adjourned to November 22 for the group to reconsider its position.

A Hydro spokeswoman said the legal action had not delayed work on preparations for the development.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/11/01/legal-setback-for-anti-wind-farm-residents/