Recent wind farm planning changes – a loss for Victorian communities.
Whilst our community has already benefited from the shift to renewable energy and will do so for many years to come, under the new regulations our wind farm would not have been built.
The new regulations give a right of veto to anyone living within 2 km of a proposed wind turbine location, even if the wind farm is entirely compliant with all noise and other relevant standards. Such a right of veto is unique in the planning scheme — while many industries that negatively impact communities operate with no such restrictions, one of the cleanest and most benign forms of energy generation will be severely limited by the recent amendments.
In addition, the new planning changes establish ‘no go’ zones for wind farms — all five community wind proposals that we are aware of fall within these new zones. Somewhat ironically, all six of Victoria’s coal fired powered stations are located in so called no-go zones.
It is hard to reconcile these changes with the fact that just three months ago we won the coveted Premier’s Award for Sustainability in recognition of our hard work to share the benefits of wind energy with the community.
Since we received the Premier's award, we began generating large amounts of clean, locally generated energy, launched the first round of our community fund, and hired our fourth local staff member.
Our more than 1900 members are a testament to the strong community support for wind energy, and together we have built a powerful model that will benefit communities around Australia. It is sad that many other Victorian communities will now be prevented from realising these benefits.
So, who are the winners? This article on anti-wind lobby group the Landscape Guardians is certainly worth of a read. While you’ll find a pop-up branch of the Guardians wherever a wind farm is proposed, you won’t find them assisting communities with coal mines in their backyards or coal seam gas projects threatening their livelihoods.
In the meantime, we remain focused to delivering on our promises — delivering real benefits to the whole community from our exemplary wind farm.
p.s. last week we received some great coverage by The Age in both an article and editorial — we just wish it was attached to better news!
Taking action
Early this year we called on our supporters to make a submission to the Senate. We were blown away when more than 1060 supporters took action and emailed the Senate.
54% of all responses received came from supporters of Hepburn Wind!
Now we are asking you to make your voice heard again.
Please follow this link to ensure that genuine community voices are heard.
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Save the date
Keep Saturday 5 November free in your diaries — plan to join us in Leonards Hill to celebrate our community’s achievements. If you are inspired to help out with ideas and assistance (musicians, stalls, entertainment, etc…) please email launch@hepburnwind.com.au
Community fund is open
Right from day one, we committed to sharing the benefits of our project with the whole community, not just those who invested. To fulfill this promise, we have launched the Hepburn Wind Community Fund — set to be the most generous community fund of any wind farm in the country.
The fund will provide support to other groups within our area to develop dynamic, innovative and sustainable projects.
Round 1 of our community fund will provide up to $15,000 of support to local projects — applications for the funding round will be accepted up until 14 October 2011. Full details are available at hepburnwind.com.au/fund.
Site tours
We often receive calls from supporters who want visit the wind farm. We will soon begin opening our gates regularly for guided visits — please register your interest at info@hepburnwind.com.au.
This week we hosted visits from Beyond Zero Emissions (see photos) and Sustainability Victoria, and we hope to soon host a number of school groups.
Please note that we are collecting a $5 gate fee which will be shared between the Community Fund and the landowner (for granting us access to his family’s farm). Private tours are also available for groups by request.
If you are just ‘driving through’, please respect private property of the wind farm and our neighbours, and please ensure that you keep our local roads safe.
Daylesford and District Community Bank launch
It is great to see another community initiative taking off in our shire. The Trentham Community Bank launched two weeks ago and now the Daylesford District Community bank is set to launch this Thursday. This is a community investing in its future.
All you locals, come to the launch, purchase your shares and help get the Community Bank® started, Daylesford Town Hall 7.00pm Thursday 8 September.
Support renewable energy!
We receive a lot of moral support from a number of organisations that are making a big difference. Collectively, their work is be critical to ensuring that Australia embraces a clean energy future.
Environmental group Friends of the Earth launched its Yes 2 Renewables project to help build support for renewables in general.
Recently FOE has been countering anti-wind misinformation campaigns — engaging with communities across the state, hosting forums, info stalls and ‘listening posts’ and active in the media supporting appropriate wind development.
Maintain this important and powerful work requires funding. If you are as passionate about renewables as we are, please consider making a donation.
Please check out the excellent Yes 2 Renewables website and FOE’s donation page.
Your ideas & assistance
Much of our work since day one has been provided by a vast number of passionate and skilled volunteers. We wouldn’t have built the project without your feedback, ideas and support in promoting the project widely — we welcome feedback at feedback@hepburnwind.com.au
Now the project is built, there are still many opportunities to provide valuable assistance. If you are interested in helping us and joining the staff and dedicated volunteers behind the project, please email volunteers@hepburnwind.com.au
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