LATEST NEWS:
Origin Energy Refuses to Meet with Us
Origin Energy has refused a request from the Western Plains Landscape Guardians for a “fresh start” on community relations by meeting with us. This flies in the face of the company’s “Code of Conduct” which states that they have a “commitment to listening and consulting with communities”. Also contradicting a commitment to keep communities informed with up-to-date information, is a refusal to provide the public with the planning documents on a computer disk – the easiest and most efficient way to provide the information.
Easement Nightmare for Landholders
Landholders within the project area and those on the route to Lismore are only now starting to be asked (told) to have overhead powerlines on their properties. While Origin Energy is saying that the powerlines may mostly be on roadsides, it is clear that this cannot be the case for much the area. Watch out – your property may be next.
Welcome to the Western Plains Landscape Guardians Association website
The Association was formed in January 2007 with the aim of preserving the spectacular landscape and environment of the Western Plains of Victoria. The Western Plains is an area of unique and remarkable beauty and provides critical habitat for many rare and unusual species of plants and animals. It is also our home and has been the home of many generations of human occupants, both black and white, who have formed strong attachments to the landscape - a landscape that is perhaps less altered by humans than any other in Victoria.
Our major concern at this time is the rush to site 282 wind turbine generators towering up to 150 metres high (including many with lights) – between Beaufort and Skipton with no apparent or real consideration of the damage to the landscape, environment, the wildlife and the amenity of those who live in this historic and beautiful district. We believe the public, and particularly those who live within 20kms of the proposed project, have a right to know and understand the scale of this development, its impact on the local environment and on our lives. The generations to come will not look kindly upon us if, without careful thought, we interfere with what time and nature have created.
Debate and conflicting information abounds regarding wind energy, not only in Australia but also around the world where these developments are being planned, constructed and operated. The wind industry has successfully promoted their product without describing the negative impacts of their projects - which are now readily known and understood. These negative impacts need to be understood and considered so communities and decision-making bodies can maked informed decisions. Additionally, the actual benefits of wind energy - based on empirical data - must also be demonstrated before we sacrifice the fragile ecology of our area.
We place the highest value on our landscapes and environment, and believe in the development of low impact renewable energy projects where the environmental damage is minimal or none and where there is real and informed community support. Please take the time to read our website so that you understand what the damage this development may have on our environment, landscape and community in both the short and long term.
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