Blowing off industry

Herald Sun
Friday 14/5/2010 Page: 41

A PROPOSAL to keep wind farms far from homes would threaten jobs and the environment, it has been claimed. The state Opposition has released a plan to ensure wind farms are not built within 2km of homes unless an agreement is reached between residents and developers. No-go zones would be created near national parks, if the Coalition is elected in November. Compensation schemes would be offered to residents who live within 1km of wind farms and councils would be given the final say.

Environment and renewable energy groups and the State Government say the plan would kill the wind industry in Victoria. Planning Minister Justin Madden said there were already exclusion zones set up to protect sensitive areas, and councils were crying out for more help with proposals. "Apparently Mr Baillieu is very keen to not only reduce wind farms, but basically kill the industry in this state," Mr Madden said. "That's not good for the environment and it certainly rips the heart out of jobs and industry in regional Victoria."