Support for wind farm but more details sought

Warrnambool Standard
Wednesday 21/3/2007 Page: 7

BUFFER zones and studies into traffic and the environment have been requested by Moyne Shire before it throws its support behind a proposed wind farm near Port Fairy. Despite Mayor Gerald Madden's fears that farmland was being industrialised by turbines, he and six other councillors voted to support the project and `green' energy.

The $300 million project proposed by TME Australia on the Port Fairy- Hamilton Road spans 3600ha of grazing land. Planning and environment director Greg Anders told a special council meeting yesterday that the council officers supported the 68-turbine farm at Ryans Corner and requested detailed traffic and environment plans.

Mr Anders said the council suggested a 365m buffer zone, three times the turbines' height, to adjoining property boundaries and, where landowners agreed, to shorten the setback to 134m. He said a study into the brolga population and the impact a windfarm may have on the birds was hard to gauge because of the dry conditions.

Cr Ros Stewart said it sent a strong message to the Government and other councils that Moyne was fair dinkum about wind energy and making a better future. She said she was satisfied with the buffer zones and despite increased fire risks due to the project the CFA would be able to work effectively in the area. The council vote was 7-1 with Cr Jim Doukas voting against the project.