Winds of Change

Buloke Times
Tuesday 19/6/2007 Page: 2

Never was there a clearer case of "saving the best till last" than on Wednesday, as Buloke councillors waded into an ocean of issues at their June meeting in Donald. Among vitally important matters dealt with during that time were the adoption (at long last) of the Buloke Shire Local Roads Hierarchy, and the preliminary submission to the Electoral Representation Review. But of the 19 reports tabled in the first hour, none was to have quite the same impact as the very last - the application by Acciona Energy for a wind farm at Berrimal, 19 kms. south of Charlton and 16 kms west of Wedderburn.

First, there was the project cost, estimated at $45 million, an amount beyond the comprehension of most of us (certainly those of us in the country print media!). A lesser amount, though far from insignificant in the eyes of a municipality fighting for survival in tough times, was the rate revenue of more than $61,000 per year to be directed to Council. Overall, however, the excitement within the Council chamber was at least as much to do with the environment as with the economy. "I just hope they double the size," enthused Cr. Leo Tellefson, referring to the number (between 12 and 16) of wind turbines planned for Berrimal.

"When an opportunity like this comes along we should grab it with both hands and do everything in our power to encourage those associated with the project," said Cr. Peter Watts. Moving that approval be given to the Acciona Energy proposal, Cr. Watts hoped that further developments of this kind would also be possible in the Buloke Shire. Describing the initiative as "incredibly exciting", Cr. Jan Corrie was also at a loss to understand why some other councils and residents were opposed to wind turbines. "I think they're beautiful," she said.

"It's brilliant for the world, and for our microeconomy as well." The health of the planet having long been at the top of his priority list, Cr. Tellefson could not hide his delight at the direction being taken by Council and Acciona Energy.' "The Southern Grampians Shire is pretty near carbon neutral, due to wind farms at Ararat," he said. "That identifies that shire as one of those aiming at minimum environmental harm to society." He hoped that with some solar energy as well, Berrimal might eventually be able to reduce the impact of the greenhouse effect even further, and become energy-efficient in its own right.

Both Crs. Harold Flett and Robyn Ferrier added their praise for this monumental undertaking, prompting the final word from Cr. Tellefson: "Forty-five million dollars - that's even more than most councillors earn!" Wednesday night's decision on the Berrimal wind farm is the culmination of a process that could well be described as a model for negotiations between industry and government at all levels.

All issues, conditions, regulations and assessments have been dealt with professionally by the contracting company and the Buloke Shire. Above all, community considerations were always at the top of the priority list, leading to exhaustive consultation with those entitled to know every detail and consequence of this massive enterprise. Congratulations are well and truly in order for all concerned.