Blown away by wind power

Cooma Monaro Express
Thursday 31/5/2007 Page: 5

THE information gained by the visit to Ararat was invaluable to get a greater understanding of turbines on the Monaro, according to some who went on the trip. Friends of Renewable Energy spokesperson Bev Allen said everyone who went gained a greater understanding of how wind farms could affect a community.

"Everybody on the bus found the trip very informative, like the contours of the land there is similar to here, and how pleasing the wind towers looked," said Mrs Allen. "There were several people who had their doubts, but while on the trip, the consensus was that the wind farms were pleasing to the eye. "I'd be prepared to help anyone who wants to visit a particular windfarm or to organise another windfarm bus trip," she said.

Councillor Roger Norton represented Cooma Monaro Shire Council and said wind farms in Ararat seemed to be successful. "They seem to have been a splendid success in Ararat, but that doesn't mean it's received the same acceptance in other places," said Mr Norton.

"I spoke to current councillors and the Ararat mayor and they indicated that the community had accepted them (wind farms) and supported them... and had provided an extensive economic benefit to the shire. "Apparently Pacific Hydro went through extensive community consultation beforehand and as result when proposed wind farms were put out for public discussion there wasn't a single written complaint or opposition," he said.