September 8, 2018
Australia

Call for halt on turbines

MP's wind farm revolt | Harrison Tippet | Geelong Advertiser | 8 Sep 2018 |

Outgoing Western Victoria MP Simon Ramsay has asked the Government to pause all wind farm permits in the state’s southwest.

The Liberal upper house MP has made the request to Planning Minister Richard Wynne to enable a comprehensive review of the impacts of wind farms on the region.

“I want to understand the social, economic and environmental impacts of these wind farms. I want to know how they impact health, amenity, landscape and lifestyle,” Mr Ramsay said.

“There are enough wind farms out there now to instruct on that.

“But so many more are planned and we are heading into unknown territory,” he said.

“We must make sure we get this right. Changing the landscape forever is a very big decision to make.”

A spokesman for Mr Wynne said: “The Liberals and Nationals want to trash our renewable energy industry, which is supporting more than 2300 jobs and delivering more affordable, reliable energy for Victorian households and businesses.”

Surf Coast Shire recently criticised a lack of community consultation over a proposed $200 million wind farm development at Mt Pollock near Inverleigh.

The controversial wind farm would include up to 16 wind turbines.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2018/09/08/call-for-halt-on-turbines/