May 19, 2015
Australia

Opposition spokesman for energy and resources slams change in restrictions

By MATTHEW DIXON | The Courier | May 18, 2015 | www.thecourier.com.au

The slashing of restrictions for how close wind turbines can be built to homes is taking power away from communities, according to Opposition spokesman for energy and resources David Southwick.

The changes committed to in the lead- up to last year’s state election saw Labor commit to removing restrictive planning laws that provide a veto to landowners within two kilometres of a proposed wind farm.

However, the Labor Party committed to reduce that buffer to one kilometre.

Mr Southwick said he believed local councils and the community were best placed to evaluate each development.

“My biggest concern with the Labor Party around wind farms is that they have taken the planning laws away from local communities and moved them into Spring Street,” he said.

“The people who have the best understanding of wind farms and where they should go is the community themselves.”

Mr Southwick said he believed the Mount Mercer Wind Farm was one example where a wind farm could be constructed with strong community consultation.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2015/05/19/opposition-spokesman-for-energy-and-resources-slams-change-in-restrictions/