Monday 28 April 2008

Mixed opinions on co-op wind farm

Lithgow Mercury
Thursday 17/4/2008 Page: 2

A meeting in Bathurst this week to discuss a proposal for the establishment of a community operated wind farm received less than overwhelming support. The Western Advocate reported that about 70 people attended the forum but less than half supported the wind farm concept. Nine landholders at the meeting said they would like a windfarm feasibility study to be conducted on their properties. The indications of support have been sufficient for the organisers, the Bathurst Community Climate Network, to press ahead with another planning meeting for next month with a view to establishing a working committee.

The proposal announced by the Climate Network is for a wind farm of six turbines to generate sufficient electricity for 7500 domestic properties. It would require a 400 hectare site 'somewhere between Blayney and Lithgow and would be operated as a community cooperative. Among the speakers at the forum were Hugh Litchfield, owner operator of the twin turbines at Hampton, and Gavin Douglas who has a similar private project at Black Springs. Both spoke of the challenges they faced in setting up their wind turbines. There has been considerable opposition aired by landholders in the Rydal area when proposals for further turbines have come before Lithgow Council in recent years.

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