Media Release, June 14
To mark World Wind Energy Day, which is June 15, Friends of the Earth are releasing an updated report on the costs of the Baillieu government’s 2011 anti-windfarm planning laws.
The impact of implementing “no-go” zones for wind farms in some of the best windy areas of the state, and an unprecedented 2km setback from residences, is estimated at $887 million in lost investment, and 2,100 jobs that will now not be created.
The future of wind energy is looking grim in Victoria, despite proving its worth across the border in South Australia, where in the first quarter of 2012 it provided 31% of that state’s electricity, with falling carbon emissions and wholesale electricity prices.
The state has in recent weeks seen a spate of public meetings organised by anti-windfarm groups and Senator Madigan, with speakers questioning or condemning the wind industry’s role in the state.
“Some workers at Keppel Prince Engineering in Portland, who make the towers for wind turbines, were sadly laid off last week due to a drop in demand for wind towers,” said Friends of the Earth campaigner Ben Courtice.
“This is due to the inadequacies of the Federal Renewable Energy Target, but it is also a picture of what we’ll see if the state laws are not repealed.
“Next year another 8 planned wind farms face having their permits expire. If they are forced to re-apply under the draconian 2011 planning laws, many of these will also fall.
“The example in South Australia is compelling. You can’t deny the success of providing clean power there. Why is Victoria missing out? It’s time these laws were re-assessed.”
The full report is available here.
For further comment please contact Ben Courtice on 0413 580 706 or Cam Walker on 0419 338 047.
yes2renewables.org 
It seems logical to put this up as an option, then ask of the dissidents, whether they be Councillors or Opponents, to either embrace the idea (their neighbours being the model), or table their chosen alternative opportunity for tax payers to weigh.
Has anyone got a map which combines the remaining white specs on the map of Victoria in the report with sites that would actually be viable for wind farms from a wind perspective?
I haven’t combined, but our page here:
https://yes2renewables.org/renewable-energy-in-victoria/wind-energy/
includes a wind atlas map from Sustainability Victoria, which gives you a general idea of which regions are best for wind – if you (or anyone else) has the appropriate Photoshop skills I’m sure you could work to combine them!