February 25, 2014
Australia

Wind farm backers say review proves wind energy ‘clean and safe’

ABC News | 25 February 2014 | www.abc.net.au

Supporters of wind farms are urging state and federal governments to back the use of the renewable energy source, after an official review of evidence found a lack of support for claims of health effects.

In a review released yesterday, the National Health and Medical Research Council found there was no reliable or consistent evidence linking wind farms to human health.

Fears of adverse health effects have been a central reason for opposition to the proposed 74-turbine Flat Rocks wind farm, east of Kojonup.

Friends of the Earth Australia’s Leigh Ewbank says he hopes the latest analysis puts the issue to bed.

“Well I think this is the final straw for the anti-wind groups. It’s time anti-wind campaigners accept the science that wind energy is clean and safe,” he said.

Sarah Laurie from anti-wind farm group the Waubra Foundation says additional research needs to go into the homes of those who have reported symptoms.

“I think when the right research is done it will help us move forward in terms of much safer noise pollution guidelines and appropriate planning, safe setback distances,” she said.

“We’re delighted that the council has come out and said there’s a need for research, that’s what we’ve been saying for nearly three years and that’s what the Senate inquiry recommended in June, 2011, so that’s what needs to happen and the research needs to be done inside the homes of people who are reporting symptoms.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/02/25/wind-farm-backers-say-review-proves-wind-energy-clean-and-safe/