An environment group based in Australia’s most marginal electorate Corangamite is “confounded” by Liberal candidate Sarah Henderson’s support for Victoria’s anti-wind farm laws.

In a statement, the Surf Coast Air Action group welcome Henderson’s support to tackle pollution Anglesea’s coal mine and power plant, yet challenged her stance on wind farms which offer the region a chance to clean up its act.

In recent public forums Ms Henderson has been outspoken about the need for Australian pollution standards to be brought into line with international standards. She has committed to expediting a federal government review of current emissions standards, which have been found to be inadequate to protect human health.

“International medical and scientific research has found that there is irrefutable evidence of a link between coal mining and coal fired power generation and serious impacts upon human health,” said Dr Jacinta Morahan. “Similarly, reputable health bodies have also found wind energy to be clean and safe.”

“Given that Ms Henderson has spoken out in support of Surf Coast Air Action’s demands for clean air for the children, residents and visitors to the region, her support for the Napthine’s Government’s restrictive wind farm laws is confounding,” said Dr Cameron Shaw.

At a recent community forum in Torquay, Ms Henderson said that she was in favour of the State Governments 2 kilometre exclusion zone on wind farm development, stating: “I actually think the policy on wind is a very good one, because wind was dividing so many rural communities.”

SCAA will write to Sarah Henderson asking for her to explain how Victoria’s laws are “good” policy, when they stall the rollout of pollution free energy generators.

The only people “dividing” communities are the anti-wind groups, who are undertaking a scare campaign which is not supported by the evidence.

Surf Coast Air Action urge Ms Henderson to continue her support for clean air for the Surf Coast and support wind energy. If elected we urge Ms Henderson to take up a position of leadership with regard to wind energy in the Liberal party.

Last week, Yes 2 Renewables brought attention to Ms Henderson’s support for Baillieu’s anti-wind farm laws. We encourage Ms Henderson to reexamine her stance and adopt a position that aligns with mainstream views.

TAKE ACTION

• Support Surf Coast Air Action’s campaign to protect their community from coal pollution and repower their region with renewable energy sources.
• Follow them on Facebook.
• Sign their petition here.