November 5, 2013
Australia

Plan for turbines on hold

Ella Archibald-Binge | Warwick Daily News | 5th Nov 2013 | www.warwickdailynews.com.au

Fifty-six submissions and 205 signatures stopped Tim Lucas’ Rabbit Ridge Wind Farm proposal in its tracks, but objectors say they were not out to give green energy the red light.

At last week’s council meeting, Southern Downs councillors voted against the wind farm proposal, which would have installed eight 150m-tall wind turbines, a solar farm and diesel generators on Tim Lucas’ Dalveen property.

Dalveen resident Tracey Mouws helped gather names for a petition opposing the venture, but said it was simply a case of “right project, wrong location”.

“We definitely don’t oppose green energy,” she said.

“There is a place for everything, but a development can’t be excused from policies that have been put in place to protect the health and wellbeing of residents just because it is classed as green.”

Mrs Mouws said residents had no problems with the solar panelling proposal, but were concerned about the health risks and noise pollution associated with wind turbines and diesel generators.

“We all came together and employed professional advice to assess the application,” she said.

“I suppose the question that must be asked is, does the developer’s estimated 2200 people that wind turbines may have provided wind energy to out-weigh the risks that may affect our wider community?

“Our community is ecstatic about council’s decision, but we are also extremely grateful to them for making an informed decision … in the best interests of the wider community.”

Mr Lucas said objectors may not have taken into account the project’s new layout, in which council stipulated greater setbacks from neighbouring properties. He still hopes to work with the council to deliver an “elegant solution” to the region’s power security.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/11/05/plan-for-turbines-on-hold/