Study shows wind support

The Colac Herald, Page: 9
Friday, 30 June 2006

Developers say more than half the residents living near a proposed Port Campbell wind farm support the project. A survey of 140 people living near the wind farm site at Newfield revealed that 61.5 per cent supported the project, 17 per cent were opposed and 21.5 per cent were unsure.

Acciona Energy managing director Brett Thomas said the wind farm gathered valuable information about the community through a Social Impact Assessment process. "The survey response indicates that the local community is environmentally aware, supportive of renewable energy and the Newfield wind farm," he said. The SIA report also included a community profile and a range of potential impacts and benefits of the wind farm. Researchers interviewed stakeholders from government, environment, community and tourism groups with an interest in the south-west region and wind farms.

Mr Thomas said an information newsletter and consultation program had provided information directly to Newfield, Timboon and Port Campbell residents, and there would be a public open day in the future."As part of the program, a community reference group is being established to provide a regular forum for community input and to facilitate communication." he said.