Stanley calls town meeting to protest wind farm proposal

Tassie’s top tourist town have called a meeting to learn more about a wind farm proposal many say will ruin what makes their place special. LATEST >>

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STANLEY locals will “galvanise” against a wind farm proposal earmarked for farm land just 3km from the town boundary at a town meeting on Sunday.

Epuron has a proposal on the table to erect 12 turbines near historic Highfield House.

Locals have engaged the services of a lawyer who has fought and won for other communities facing wind farm development and say it is time for local voices to be heard.

Stanley residents protest against proposed wind farm.

The mounting concern in Stanley – recently named Tassie’s top tourism town – comes as Birdlife Tasmania’s Eric Woehler reiterates warnings about the potential cumulative impact of wind farms dotted across the State.

“With at least 10 new wind farms either proposed or under construction, more than 500 extra turbines could be spinning over the Tasmanian landscape in the next few years” Dr Eric Woehler said.

“Add to all these turbines the associated infrastructure such as transmission lines and towers, and the cumulative web of bird hazards escalates dramatically.”

Last year, TasNetworks reported that 29 Wedge-tailed Eagles had been killed on its power lines over a 12 month period.

“Where is the wind farm strategy for Tasmania? Where are the sensitive and

critical no-go areas for wind farms in Tasmania,” Dr Woehler asked.

“Without a strategy, the constant mortality of eagles and other birds undermines any claims of

sustainability by the renewable energy sector.”

Dr Eric Woehler, Cape Deslacs, Clifton Beach, Tasmania. Image Matthew Newton.

Murchsion MLC Ruth Forrest will mediate the meeting at the Stanley Town Hall at 3pm on Sunday.

Respect Stanley Peninsula – No Wind Turbines spokeswoman Kerry Houston said Stanley residents needed to ensure balanced information was getting out.

“So far people have only heard what Epuron wants them to hear. Now there will be an opportunity for people to hear from other speakers with different viewpoints,” she said.

Company representatives have been invited to come and answer questions along with politicians from all parties and the local council.

“Circular Head Mayor Daryl Quilliam recently made public comment that he wasn’t hearing much opposition from the Stanley community. This has galvanised the community into action to make their concerns heard,” Ms Houston said.

Recently a group of locals protested with their tractors and boats at a Epuron drop-in session in a show of support for local fishermen and farmers.

Speakers at the meeting will include Dominica Tannock – the lawyer who has represented many communities facing or living with wind farms, including residents at Bald Hills in Gippsland, who won a major battle against that wind farm last year – CEPU State Secretary Michael Anderson and local residents Jonathan Smith and Craig Dwyer

Dr Woehler intends to join in the meeting via zoom or through a written paper.

PENDING WIND FARM PROJECTS

List of wind projects proposed or under construction in Tasmania, as of June

2019:

1. Granville Harbour – built, 31 turbines

2. Guildford – up to 80 turbines

3. Hellyer – up to 40 turbines

4. Lake Echo/Cattle Hill – built, 48 turbines

5. Low Head – approved – 14 turbines

6. Port Latta – approved – 14 turbines

7. Robbins Island + Jims Plains – c. 150 turbines

8. Rushy Lagoon/Waterhouse, under investigation, 50 – 100 turbines

9. St Patrick’s Plains – up to 80 turbines

10. Western Plains (Stanley) – 12 turbines