THE controversy surrounding the proposed wind farm at Black Springs has not yet been resolved, with plans still in the hands of the Department of Planning.
Because the development is over $32 million, the developer had the option of choosing the state government as the consent authority over The Oberon Council.
The plans have been with the government for the past six months.
The proposal is for nine turbines. The towers would be 124m to the tip of the blade, or the equivalent of a 41 storey building.
The turbines will be located on two properties on the Campbell’s River Road. Seven turbines would be installed on one property and two on the other.
Director of Development with The Oberon Council Ralph Tambasco said as a result of submissions received, the minister has expressed concern about several aspects of the Environmental Impact Statement including visial impact, noise and the flicker effect. As a result specialist consultants visited Oberon late last year.
During the visit the consultants explained their role to council and held meetings with the objectors, The BlackSprings Community Landscape Guardians.
The resulting Environmental Impact Statement has yet to be formally exhibited.
In the meantime Gavin Douglas from the Black Springs Windfarm Project spoke at a community windfarm forum held in Bathurst last Monday.
Mr Douglas said everyone agrees on the need for renewable energy, but it is harder to see that when it is in your own back or front yard.
“We have spent seven or eight years on this project and if we had done anything differently it would have been to have more consultation at the start,” Mr Douglas said.
“Communication is absolutely vital. Input from the public must be invited.”
Mr Douglas said land use is changing from primarily agricultural to recreational as more small farms and lifestyle blocks spring up.
He said the majority of opposition to the project comes from Sydney based people and centres on aestehtics.
“One needs to be very clear on the suitability and reasons for choosing the host farm,” Mr Douglas said.
Hugh Litchfield from the Hampton Windpark also spoke at the windfarm forum. Ahead of its time, his windfarm was established in 1999 with two turbines.
It was the first privately owned wind park in NSW and produces enough energy for 500 houses per year.
“The first things you need are patience, perseverance and a supportive community,” Mr Litchfield said.
“Climate change reports are starting to force the issue.
“We are in serious trouble. If we don’t take serious action things are going to get very dire.
“I saw that wind turbines could help struggling farmers and save the drastic cutbacks everyone faces the worse the problem gets.
“Any objectors to sustainable energy in their own backyards need to wake up now.”
Mr Litchfield said 95 percent of people are supportive, but the remainder are very vocal.
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