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Liberals To Restore Local Power On Wind FarmsA Liberal Government will restore the rights of local communities in country Victoria over the development of wind farms. By Phillip Davis - 17th August 2006 - Back to News Shadow Minister for Country Victoria Philip Davis said today the Bracks Labor Government’s approach to wind farm developments had divided communities across Victoria and was proceeding without legislation, regulation or consultation.
"Wind farms have a significant visual, social and physical impact on landscapes, therefore effective and thorough consultation is imperative to ensure the correct location is selected," Mr Davis said.
"The Bracks Government has removed control of country communities and local government to select locations and developments which are appropriate for their environments.
"The Government’s Guidelines for the Location of Wind Energy Facilities give priority to approval and shift responsibility for approval to the Planning Minister."
Mr Davis said a Liberal Government would ensure wind farms were not located in sensitive landscapes, or where they are unwanted by local communities.
"A Liberal Government will implement a moratorium on new wind farm applications until appropriate legislation, revised guidelines and environmental assessments are in place," Mr Davis said.
"We will establish no-go zones based on clearly defined landscape and environmental standards, and require all new applications meet the Federal Government’s standards.
"A Liberal Government will replace Labor’s discredited siting guidelines with a nationally consistent code and approve wind farms only within designated zones."
Mr Davis said a Liberal Government would also ensure new location guidelines would include considerable setbacks, neighbours’ consent for siting of turbines and minimum visual amenity standards.
"We will also consider noise, vibration, shadow flicker, potential bird kill, native vegetation and limitations on future subdivisions," he said.
A Liberal Government will give the industry and the Victorian community clear processes for future development and planning.
"For wind energy to be viable in Victoria, there needs to be a balance between power generation and local social and environmental interests," Mr Davis said.
"A Liberal Government will make it happen."
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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