WIndfarm green light

Wimmera Mail Times
Friday 29/6/2007 Page: 12

A NORTHERN Wimmera mayor said his council would welcome any alternative energy projects. Buloke Shire Mayor Reid Mather said he was excited about a council-backed proposal to build 16 wind turbines at Berrimal, in the shire's east.

Cr Mather said it was the first type of proposal put before Buloke Shire and he would support a range of alternative energy projects, such as wind farming and solar power. "It was a unanimous decision. It generated some discussion, but everyone spoke in favour of it," he said. "We would be keen to look at more renewable energy projects, including wind and solar into the future." Cr Mather said the project was put forward for public continent with no objections.

"The public has been very receptive to the project. Probably because it will be situated in a area that is not densely populated," he said. "We are all for it. It will shore up our power supply into the future." Hindmarsh Shire chief executive John Hicks also threw his support behind using alternative energy sources. "We have not received any proposals at the moment, but we will have to look at everything case by case. We are for renewable energy projects, unless someone wanted to build wind turbines in the middle of Lake Hindmarsh," he said.

Horsham Rural City Council chief executive Kerryn Shade said his council had not received any requests for renewable energy projects, but would welcome anyone wanting to establish a project in the municipality. "We had someone look at wind farming 10 years ago, but Horsham was found to be too flat. We are definitely happy to talk to anyone about renewable energy projects," he said.