17th October 2018, Yarram Standard
Wind farm agenda: opposing the Alberton wind farm project Maree Avery, Alan McDonald and Jacqui Schneider were overwhelmed with support for their cause at the recent public meeting at Hedley last week.
PROTESTORS of the Alberton wind farm are coming out in force with some 120 people cramming into the Hedley Hall last week to hear more details on the proposed 34 turbine wind farm project and another public meeting will be held in Yarram on Tuesday night, October 23.
Those in attendance at the Hedley meeting learned the Alberton turbines would be approximately double the size of those at Toora’s wind farm.
Reports at the meeting suggested that some of the turbines at the Alberton wind farm will be 200 metres tall to the tip of the blade and visible from the centre of Yarram.
People travelled from as far away as Inverloch to show their support for those fighting to have this project stopped. Maree Avery said it was a very informative meeting and well received by all who attended.
“We had a number of speakers on the night talking about various issues associated with wind turbines. Colleen Murphy is a physiologist who practises in the local area and she spoke about the level of anxiety. Tony Murray spoke on the policies of government in regards to renewable energy.
Local Gelliondale resident Graham Jones owns the old Gelliondale Hotel, he raised concerns over a number of issues regarding the non-compliance with the Victorian State Guidelines, lack of research undertaken by Synergy Wind (the company proposing to develop 34 turbine Alberton project on private land), noise disturbances generated from the turbines and the ongoing effects this will have on the home owners as well as the wildlife at the Albert and Jack Rivers.
Neil Griffin from the Hedley area was concerned about the drop in property values and ongoing effects on the environment Mr Jones spoke to the Wellington Shire Council regarding his objection to the proposed Alberton Wind energy facility. Chairperson Alan McDonald then opened the floor for questions and comments. One resident from Bald Hills told the meeting what it was like living next to turbines. “He felt it was important to talk about what it was like living next to a wind farm,” Maree said.
It was put to those attending the Hedley meeting whether another should be held and all were in agreement that they should take the next meeting into Yarram. It was decided to hold a public meeting at the Regent Theatre Yarram on Tuesday, October 23 at 7pm.
“Our concerns are about the health of the whole community and the health of our environment,’ Maree said. The Yarram Standard ran a poll to gauge the community’s feelings on having a wind farm in the Alberton/Gelliondale area. “Do you think a 34 turbine wind farm should be built in the Alberton area?” the results were 45 percent said yes and 55 percent said no indicating that the community is divided on the issue.
Mr McDonald who is organising the meeting in Yarram said the most important thing is to allow people to have their say and by holding these meetings that is what they are doing.