States cold on wind code

Weekly Times
Wednesday 20/9/2006 Page: 21

A NATIONAL code for consulting with communities on wind farms will be developed.

The move follows a roundtable of community groups, wind energy companies, local government and planners that was convened by Federal Environment Minister Ian Campbell.

But the move, which would set minimum consultation standards, has been given the cold shoulder by the states, which declined to attend the roundtable and are unlikely to accept such a code.

Senator Campbell said wind farms would continue to he important in Australia's efforts to tackle climate change. 'However, we need to balance this with maintaining a strong economy and protecting environmental, cultural and landscape values." he said.

The community must he properly included in the planning process for new wind energy installations. Senator Campbell said.

The code will include consultation guidelines for wind energy developers, recognise values such as wildlife preservation, landscape and amenity, and accommodate community views on the location of wind farms.