Friends of the Earth media release, May 3, 2012. The first project to be affected by the new NSW wind energy guidelines has been substantially reduced compared with its original vision. Windlab Systems and REpower Australia have announced a proposal which is 40% smaller than originally planned, from 90 to 52 turbines. The companies cite ‘community consultation, environmental studies and the state governments draft guidelines’ as the reasons for the reduction. “We commend the companies for listening closely to community concerns and amending their plans” said Friends of the Earth campaigns co-ordinator Cam Walker. “However, we do note that the smaller … Continue reading Rugby wind farm: Has the noisy minority won out at the region’s expense?

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update on costs of Victorian government wind policy

November 24, 2011 Cam Walker

In late August, the Baillieu government implemented new planning rules which place large sections of Victoria off-limits to wind farm developments through the creation of No Go zones, and set in place a 2 kilometre ‘right of veto’, whereby a single household can block any turbines within 2 kilometres of their home. In September, FoE released it’s initial estimate of lost and stalled investment under this policy. The figure at that point was up to $955 million investment and up to 580 direct jobs in construction, 57 on-going jobs, and 1,274 indirect jobs. This all happened within a month of … Continue reading update on costs of Victorian government wind policy

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building community support for wind energy in NSW

July 14, 2011July 26, 2011 Cam Walker

[please scroll down for the diary from the road trip] Federal Member for Hume Alby Schultz is pushing to stop all proposed wind farms in the electorate of Hume in NSW. This will have serious implications for regional economies in Hume and, more broadly, the environment as it would lock off a large area which is very suitable ‘wind country’. Hume is largely a mixed agricultural economy, with strong farming traditions based on mixed farming, grazing, fat lambs, fruit, vegetables, wine, timber and textiles. Wind farming can add significant direct income to these practises. ‘wind supporters’ field trip to Yass, … Continue reading building community support for wind energy in NSW