Liberals commit to wind farm reform

Posted on January 6, 2012

The State Liberals will protect South Australian communities from wind farms built too close to homes, by banning new wind farms from being built more than two kilometres from an existing residence.

A Redmond Liberal Government will:

• Ban new wind turbines from being built closer than two kilometres from an existing home
• Allow third-party appeal rights, which Labor wants to remove
• Help develop national guidelines regarding separation distances and noise emissions
• Develop a state-wide zoning plan outlining where industrial wind turbines will be allowed
• Adopt a new approval process for wind farms which will consider associated infrastructure
• Protect adjacent landowners against economic losses caused by restrictions on aerial spraying and crop-dusting
• Develop clear guidelines for fire-fighting and bushfire protection around wind farms

Opposition Leader Isobel Redmond said that while community opposition to industrial-scale wind farms is increasing, Labor is planning to approve more wind farms closer to homes and schools.

“The South Australian Liberals believe wind farms must not be approved on sites where they create negative economic and social effects,” Ms Redmond said.

“We will protect residents by banning new wind turbines from being built closer than two kilometres from an existing home.

“We have more wind generation of any other State, with more than half of Australia's installed wind power in SA and it is time we started looking after the communities that live near wind farms.

“Labor approved changes to the wind farm approval process in a rush job designed to appease former Premier Rann.

“South Australians deserve well thought out planning processes not ill-considered rush jobs from a tired, city-centric Labor Government.”