Doukas calls for Moyne Shire to block more wind farms

They will be attending to give a big show of support to a motion by Cr Jim Doukas calling for the council to tell the state planning minister it opposes any further wind farm developments in the shire.

A report presented by Cr Doukas in support of his motion said that with five wind farms already built in the shire and another five approved but yet to be built, the shire was set to have 419 wind turbines, making a significant contribution to renewable energy in Victoria.

More than 40 per cent of wind farms currently operating or proposed for Victoria were in the south-west, his report said.

But 700 people had signed petitions opposing the Hawkesdale wind farm, which has planning approval, and the proposed Mount Fyans and Willatook wind farms, the report said.

It said existing wind farms were having a negative effect on neighbouring communities with noise, visual amenity, shadow amenity and economic loss.

A map of the existing and proposed Macarthur, Willatook, Hawkesdale and Woolsthorpe wind farms gave the appearance “of virtually one continuous wind farm,” the report said. 

It said National Wind Farm Commissioner Andrew Dyer had recommended councils take into account the location of adjoining wind farms when deciding on planning permits for more wind farms. 

Janet Collins, who convened a community meeting at Hawkesdale earlier this year that voted strongly against more wind farms in the Hawkesdale area, said opponents of wind farms proposed for Willatook and Mount Fyans had said they would be at Tuesday’s council meeting.

She said flyers had been distributed throughout the south-west encouraging people to attend the meeting.

The flyers call for people to tell the council “enough is enough” and oppose more wind turbines.