A NEW lobby group aimed at improving public opinion on wind energy has been launched in the south-west.
The Victorian Wind Alliance (VicWind) — a body made up of Friends of the Earth, turbine manufacturer Keppel Prince and other small groups was unveiled in Portland this week.
Landowners and wind farm workers have also joined the founding ranks of the organisation, which hopes to provide a “united voice” against bad press surrounding wind farms.
Founding member Taryn Lane said the organisation was frustrated by the negative portrayal of the renewable energy resource.
Describing those who support wind farms as a “silent majority”, Ms Lane said there was no voice in the public sphere to counter negative claims.
Ms Lane said the campaign would be spearheaded by social media and would also push the business case for wind energy. Ms Lane — a Hepburn Energy employee who lives and works near turbines in Daylesford, challenged claims that wind farms led to adverse health effects.
Keppel Prince general manager Steve Garner said it would “answer to the critics” of wind energy.