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Hulls’ Political Stunt On Bald HillsPlanning Minister Rob Hulls has embarked on an expensive political stunt in taking the Federal Government to court over its Bald Hills decision. By Ted Baillieu - Shado wMinister for Planning - 28th April 2006 - Back to News This was a wind farm that should never have been approved in the first place. It would have trashed sensitive landscapes. It would have threatened protected bird species. It would have abutted a popular bird sanctuary. It was strongly opposed by the local community.
Only an out of touch and part time Planning Minister could have got it so wrong.
The Federal Minister has the power under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. He exercised that power after referral from the State Government and he did so appropriately.
This political stunt will achieve nothing except waste Victorian taxpayers’ money on yet another half baked political crusade.
Even the Former Federal Labor Member for McMillan, Christian Zahra opposed this wind farm – and introduced a Private Member’s Bill into Parliament.
This is the same type of Ministerial power exercised by the Victorian Planning Minister in the Jolimont and Hilton cases, both were tested in the courts, exercise of the power was upheld in each case.
Hulls should save the taxpayer and drop the hypocrisy now.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com

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