Moyne Shire councillors have adopted a new position on wind farm developments within the shire – calling for a pause on new developments until strategic land use planning in the South West Renewable Energy Zone (SWREZ) is completed in consultation with Moyne Shire and other affected councils and communities.
Mayor Cr Ian Smith said council has also asked for a number of issues to be addressed in the strategic planning.
“Those conditions have been draw from our extensive community consultation on this issue and they address the key concerns that have been raised with us through surveys,” he said.
“The issues include set back from townships, houses and property boundaries, a cap on developments, undergrounding of transmission lines and ensuring food and fiber production is not adversely impacted and significant long-term economic and social benefits, provided by
companies and the state government for local communities and residents, incorporating local decision making.
“Moyne has done a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to wind farms in particular and there are there are genuine concerns that members of our community have raised that we agree need to be addressed.”
In June, council released the draft wind farm position statement for public consultation. A random telephone survey of 400 residents was completed and more than 100 written submissions received.
Cr Smith said it was important to remember that council does not make the decision when it comes to granting a planning permit for a wind farm, with that responsibility falling on the Minister for Planning.
“We don’t have a seat at the table when these decisions about permits are being made, but we can advocate strongly to government so they are aware of the issues being raise in our communities,” Cr Smith said.
“This has been one of the largest responses we have ever received and we thank the community for taking the time to share their views,” Cr Smith said.
“Our revised position is a reflection on those views and will be the position we take to state and Federal Governments in the course of our advocacy work and help inform any submissions we make to planning permit applications into the future.”
