Concerns raised at meeting

Ballarat Courier
Friday 23/3/2007 Page: 5

ABOUT 100 people attended a community meeting about proposed windfarms at Elaine and Lal Lal Estate last night. WestWind Energy plans to build about 70 turbines across two windfarms at Elaine and Lal Lal Estate. The turbines would be 140m tall.

Representatives of WestWind fielded questions from the crowd which packed the Lal Lal Community Hall. Some residents were concerned the development was a foregone conclusion. Others raised issues such as property values and visual impact.

Neighbouring resident David Turley, who is a landscape engineer, addressed the crowd about impact on the landscape. He encouraged people to have input on the project from the start. "It's very difficult to stop a windfarm proposal, but it's possible to have some positive input on its outcome," he said.

Moorabool Shire councillor Tom Sullivan, who chaired the meeting, said the planning application would be lodged with the State Government. However, he said the council would be involved in the project. The Yendon windfarm would have about 40 turbines, while there would be about 30 at Elaine. They would be 100m towers with 40m blades.

WestWind Energy spokesman Grant Flynn said it was early in the planning process, but hoped the community would be supportive. Lal Lal resident Engels Leoncini said he had no complaints. "My view will be obstructed by it. .. but it doesn't concern me at all because I think you've got to be looking after the planet."