Thursday 21 September 2006

Shire holds own in energy stakes

Colac Herald
Friday 15/9/2006 Page: 4

Civic leaders say Colac Otway Shire can more than hold its own when it comes to renewable energy. Colac Otway Shire councillors have welcomed the State Government's approval of a $380 million wind farm at Mount Gellibrand.

The wind farm will be on 2550 hectares of rural land 15 kilometres east of Colac and generate about 232 megawatts of electricity, enough to power for 133,450 homes.

Cr Peter Mercer said Colac Otway Shire would produce more energy than it used once the wind farm was complete. "We are in fact providing far in excess of what we need," Cr Mercer said. "We should be proud of that,' he said.

Cr Brian Crook said the wind farm was a significant development. He said he believed the shire could withstand the visual impact of a wind farm to have the environmental benefits of wind power.

"I certainly hope that it's the start of a lot of research and investment in alternative sources of power." Cr Crook said renewable energy was a better option than nuclear power. Councillors expressed concerns they had no say in the wind farm's approval.

Victorian Planning Minister Rob Hulls has taken the power to approve or reject large wind farms in Victoria. Local governments only have control over small wind farms. Cr Mercer said Mr Hulls approved the wind farm and the council had no power over the development.

He said he was concerned the council would still have to act as a responsible authority and oversee the removal of native vegetation from the wind farm site. The planning permit for the wind farm reveals construction crews may only access the wind farm site from Moolenc Road. The developers must also pay to maintain Mooleric Road.

The permit says the developers must provide a place along the Princes Highway for tourists to view the wind farm. The viewing area must have car parks, signs and interpretive signs.

Lights on turbines will warn aircraft of the dangers of flying in the area.

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