tvnz.co.nz
January 27, 2010
A controversial windfarm project in the central North Island has been given the go ahead by the Environment Court. The Meridian Energy project will see 52 wind turbines erected between Waiouru and Taihape across five privately owned rural properties. Many local residents and tourist operators opposed the project, saying it is on the edge of a national park and would ruin the wilderness experience.
But the Environment Court ruled that the windfarm would not have significant adverse effects on outstanding and significant landscapes, and that it was unlikely to diminish tourism or recreational opportunities in the area. Meridian Energy CEO Tim Lusk welcomed the decision saying the windfarm - which will generate enough energy to power up to 50,000 households - would contribute to the security of electricity supply in the North Island in a clean and renewable way. The Environment Court decision can be appealed in the High Court on points of law.
0 comments:
Post a Comment