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Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's fast-track renewable energy policy removing Gippslanders' right to appeal development decisions
Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's fast-track renewable energy policy after Gelliondale Wind Farm reapplies, warning it removes Gippslanders' appeal rights, undermines safeguards, and threatens proper siting of turbines near homes.
The Allan Labor government's policy to remove the right of Gippslanders to appeal against renewable energy and transmission lines has claimed another victim. The developers behind the proposed Gelliondale Wind Farm have withdrawn their planning permit and reapplied so they can be considered under a new fast track process that silences the rights of objectors.
Danny O'Brien said it's ironic the new Gelliondale Wind Farm bypasses VCAT appeals, after Alberton Wind Farm was overturned for failing turbine-to-home buffer requirements
Fair process needed
The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien said it was ironic that the new Gelliondale Wind Farm application would be considered under a process that denies the right of appeal at VCAT, given the original project was rejected by VCAT due to blunders by the developer and the state government.
"The previous iteration of this project, the Alberton Wind Farm, was approved by the Department and the State Labor government, but VCAT overturned that permit when local residents proved that it had failed to meet one of the key criteria relating to buffer zones between turbines and homes. That is the folly of Labor's policy to take away the right of appeal, which was previously an important check and balance in the process."
"It is ironic that the developer behind this wind farm has now withdrawn its application and reapplied so its permit application can be considered under the new development facilitation program fast-track that Labor has brought in for wind, solar and transmission projects," said Mr O'Brien.
Backing regional rights
Mr O'Brien said this policy is designed to steamroll over the rights of country people in favour of Labor's mad rush to renewables. "It is simply not fair to take away the rights of people to appeal in this way and the Nationals and Liberals have committed to overturn this policy."
"We have also announced we will reinstate the 2-kilometre set back between turbines and homes to ensure that renewable energy is appropriately sited. Labor stands condemned for taking away the voice of Gippslanders and rural people generally. The Nationals and Liberals will give it back," said Mr O'Brien.
Pictures from Danny O'Brien MP Instagram page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: news@gippsland.com
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