Hobart Mercury
Friday 28/8/2009 Page: 3
WIND turbines will soon be turning on the roof of the Marine Board Building. The Sullivans Cove Waterfront Authority has approved the development application for the turbines, which will generate 14.4% of the building's annual energy needs. The decision conies after the Hobart City Council rejected an almost identical proposal late last month for the top of the ANZ Building in the CBD, which was put forward by the same developer. Robert Rockefeller.
Mr Rockefeller welcomed the approval and hoped it would pave the way for the ANZ Building decision to be overturned when it is appealed in the Resource Management and Planning Appeals Tribunal next week. "It is a terrific result for the Marine Board Building and it is an opportunity for Tasmania to embrace new technology," Mr Rockefeller said. "We are working with the Hobart City Council to overcome many of the issues they have raised and hopefully we will be able to have a win-win solution to have turbines on the ANZ Building."
Lord Mayor Rob Valentine would not comment on the decision to avoid prejudicing next week's appeal but Alderman Darlene Haigh labelled it as "shocking". "I would ask the Government, can they guarantee the safety of Hobart and its population by having wind turbines constructed on the Marine Board Building?" she said. "Should a blade cone adrift from the top of the Marine Board Building, this would be a risk to everyone below."
The cove authority has imposed conditions on the project including the possible removal of the turbines if they cease to operate for more than 180 days, create noise or liars bird life. The appropriateness of the turbines and their effectiveness will be reviewed when the operating permit expires in 12 years. Minister Assisting the Premier on Climate Change Lisa Singh said there were opportunities for similar projects.
A proposal has been put forward for a medical centre at Lindisfarne on Hobart's Eastern Shore that will feature solar and possibly geothermal energy and wind turbines. "This is a day where we can celebrate moving another step closer to Hobart being a renewable energy city," Ms Singh said. "There is an amazing opportunity for us to become a leading renewable energy city in Australia and I would hope there will be many more proposals." The height of the four turbines has been reduced from 15m to 11m and each will have five blades rather than the original proposal of six, to reduce their visual impact.
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