LATEST NEWS:
Planning Panel Preparing Recommendations
The Planning Panel for the Stockyard Hill Wind Energy Facility finished on May 25th in Ballarat. The Planning Panel will now be preparing their report with a recommendation to the Minister for Planning, Justin Madden as to whether he should or should not approved the facility. They may also make recommendations for the removal of turbines to protect people, indigenous flora and fauna, the landscape, heritage and other key local issues.
The Planning Panel received 307 written submissions with 276 OPPOSED to the Stockyard Hill Wind Energy Facility - 12 had no stated position and 19 supported the project (most of whom were landowners with agreements to lease their land to Origin). Most of the presentations made to the panel during the hearing were from people or groups opposed to the project or opposed to the project in its current form - these accounted for about 40 presentations. As a result of material coming to light during the panel hearing, Origin Energy has conceded to the removal of about 30 turbines, but they are still refusing to remove turbines at Stockyard Hill/Black Lake to provide protection for the Brolga - stating that the wind resource in this area is too good and that they will "shoo" away any brolgas that return to the nests in this area.
State Coalition Joins others in Recommending 2km Setbacks from Homes
Ted Ballieu has joined many other groups around the world in recommending setbacks of turbines from homes in their new wind farm policy. They are callling for a 2km setback from homes or negotiated compensation with homeowners for a lesser distance. Finally, a political party is listening to the people and taking stock of the disaster at Waubra Wind Farm. Many other groups recommend setbacks from homes to prevent noise/health problems including the French Academy of Medicine who recommend at least 1.5kms, the Pyrenees Shire Council recommended 2kms for Stockyard Hill and the NSW Parlimentary Inquiry into Rural Wind Farms recommend 2kms. In fact some wind turbine manufacturer's specifications even note there should be a 2km setback.
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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