March 7, 2017
Australia

Jupiter Wind Farm: Pro-wind group announces opposition to plans for Tarago site

Pro-wind group opposes massive farm near Canberra | ABC Radio Canberra | March 7, 2017 | www.abc.net.au

A vocal proponent of wind energy has taken the unprecedented step of making a formal objection to the Jupiter Wind Farm planned for Tarago, near Canberra.

The Australian Wind Alliance is a supporter of wind energy, but has opposed the controversial proposal, which is being considered by NSW planning authorities.

In its submission, the community group argued the company behind the proposal “has not developed the wind farm in a manner that sufficiently benefits the wider community”.

The Wind Alliance’s national coordinator Andrew Bray said poor community engagement and consultation around the windfarm left his group with no choice but to oppose the farm.

“It’s not [a step] that we hope to ever make again,” he said.

“This is a huge turnaround for us.

“We’ve been arguing … whenever we get a chance to, that windfarms really deliver huge benefits.”

The proposal has been hugely contentious in the small town of Tarago, and many residents have been angered by the level of consultation over the $300 million project.

Among the parties opposed to the proposal is the local Queanbeyan-Palerang Council.

The wind farm would consist of 88 turbines measuring 173 metres in height, making it one of the largest in the state.

The Wind Alliance’s submission states that the group would be happy to see a different wind farm in the Tarago area, provided the proponents had proper regard for community consultation.

“When we looked at the way that the engagement has been done, we’re just not satisfied it’s been done in a way that’s up to date with where the industry is going and that it’s been sufficient,” Mr Bray said.

“It’s not lightly that we’ve taken the decision to say that the engagement is not up to scratch this time.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2017/03/07/jupiter-wind-farm-pro-wind-group-announces-opposition-to-plans-for-tarago-site/