Nearby resident Paul Cross has lodged a petition with Moyne Shire Council asking for the school’s turbine to be either decommissioned or relocated.

The petition contains 12 signatures. Mr Cross addressed the council on the matter last month and plans to do so again this month.

His issues with the turbine relate to noise levels and safety concerns.

The councillors will acknowledge that they have received the petition at Tuesday’s council meeting.

But members of the Port Fairy community took to Facebook last week to express their disgust with Mr Cross’ petition, claiming he was a lone complainant with a long-running grudge against the turbine.

More than 50 people commented on The Standard’s story when it was posted on Facebook – all supporting the school. Many of them questioned Mr Cross’ claims that no other turbine of its kind is located as close to buildings anywhere in the world and the likelihood of a turbine blade flying off.

But Mr Cross is adamant he has the proof to support his claims, and said the wider community did not have to live near the turbine as he and his fellow signatories in O’Reilly Street did.

He said he is not “anti-wind turbines” and understands the educational benefits of the school’s turbine.

The school is aware of the petition and maintains that it meets all regulatory requirements. 

The Department of Education said “the turbine presents no safety risk to children or neighbours”.

Mr Cross has also lodged a nuisance complaint with the council regarding the noise.

The council report into the matter states “the nuisance complaint will be investigated and responded to seperate to the petition”.

The wind turbine has been in place for nine years and had created approximately $30,000 worth of electricity in that time.