I WRITE in support of The Standard article of July 24, ‘Not Enough Wind Power — report highlights energy sources’.
The article refers to a Climate Change Commission report which states that Victoria’s wind energy potential is underutilised.
Wind farms have to comply with stringent noise, environmental and other planning standards. However, the Liberal Victorian government introduced an additional regulation whereby consent is required from any occupied dwelling within two kilometres of a proposed wind turbine.
While we might think that Australia is a large country with limited rural population, this new regulation is proving to be a challenge when planning a wind farm, even in the remote areas of western Victoria.
We believe wind is an important part of a cleaner Australia, as witnessed in South Australia, already where up to 30 per cent of electricity is generated by wind.
We look forward to seeing this become a reality also in Victoria.
Ernst Weyhausen, Australian director, NewEn Australia, Melbourne
