The Nationals Member, for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath raised community concerns regarding the proposed Alberton Wind Farm in state parliament last week.
Ms Bath said residents feel the proposed Synergy Wind Farm project does not take into account the close proximity of towers to residential homes.
“The Alberton Wind Farm Project proposes to erect over thirty 200m high wind turbines in the Alberton and Yarram district. Ms Bath said.
“In some cases the proposed turbines will be less than a kilometre from occupied dwellings and this is simply unacceptable”.
“My constituents are in furious agreement on the merits of wind farms and renewable energy, but the community is saying this proposed project is simply not in the right location,” said Ms Bath.
“Planning has not adequately addressed the negative visual impacts and potential health concerns of local residents; nor has it considered the fragile ecosystem including the significant bird species of Corner Inlet and the Nooramunga Marine and Coastal Park.
“Residents are also very frustrated with the lack of transparent consultation undertaken.”
“The Minister for Planning, Hon Richard Wynne has failed to conduct an Environment Effects Statement (EES), hiding behind an act of parliament rather than comprehending the negative consequences on the community and environment.
“On behalf of residents I call on the Minister for Planning to respect residents’ concerns and reject the planning application in its entirety,” said Ms Bath.
Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien has also previously called upon the Minister to reject this proposal.
“This project is simply not fit for the local area. The Alberton area is relatively closely settled and these 200 metre high towers – more than two times the height of the MCG light towers – will be a massive intrusion on the local landscape,” said Mr O’Brien.