Community talks wind farm future

KNOWT committee member Narelle Gilsenen said she hoped the meeting was beneficial to the community.

“I was really happy with all the speakers that we had,” she said.

“We wanted to run this meeting because we didn’t want to wait for (the developer, Fera) to sign more hosts and then act. I think it’s important to be proactive.

“I hope (the community) feel like they have a little bit more information on what we can do if they also want to fight this, and a little more clarity on what their rights are.”

Fera Australia director Andrew Lawson was one of the four speakers on the day.

During his presentation he provided a brief update, during which he said the only development had been a reduction of one of the project’s sites.

Initially, Fera proposed 50 turbines shared between two separate areas; however, following conversations with VicGrid, it was found wind turbines in the northern area would negatively impact the brolgas in the area.

As a result, the northern site was reduced and the project will now consist of 20 to 30 turbines, making it a 150 to 200 megawatt project if it were to go ahead.

Mr Lawson also touched on the project's planning process and answered some frequently asked questions.

He said the project was still in the early stages, and the developer was focused on researching and meeting with communities.

“We’re still at the very start of this project or looking to see if there’s a good project here,” Mr Lawson said.

“We really welcome coming to meet with you ... and (explaining) any questions that you have about the project, whether you support the project or you're against the project.”

Following Mr Lawson’s presentation, community members had an opportunity to ask questions.

Residents questioned why the Koyuga Nanneella area was chosen, considering its historical lack of wind resource and flood-prone lands.

Others also questioned the proposed 1km setback distance from people’s homes, how Fera would gain access to the transmission grid outside a renewable energy zone, and where the turbines would be located.

The second speaker was Piss off Ausnet founder Will Elsworth, who spoke about his experience advocating against a similar project in his own area.

Following Mr Elsworth, Wimmera Mallee Environmental and Agricultural Protection Association president Ross Johns took to the stage.

Mr Johns touched on the global issues dominating the wind turbine debate, the work the Wimmera Mallee Environmental and Agricultural Protection Association was doing and the Warringah Energy Park.

The final speaker of the day was Dominica Tannock, a leading environment lawyer who played a major role in previous cases such as the Uren v Bald Hills case and the Willatook Farm inquiry.

Ms Tannock spoke to attendees about the legal tools available to residents that could help safeguard their lands and community.

She also spoke about neighbour agreements and the risk of signing contracts with Fera.