Wind farm dream dies

ERIN PEARSON
PLANS for Surf Coast wind farms are “all but gone”, according to proponents.
Surf Coast Energy Group’s Graeme Stockton said the Baillieu Government’s new restrictions on wind farm locations had blown away hopes for seven farms across Mt Moriac, Barrabool Hills, Black Rock and 13th Beach.
The Government has banned wind farms in state and national parks, growth areas and tourism destinations.
“The new legislation’s made it harder to install wind farms, including community wind farms, which is incredibly frustrating,” Mr Stockton said.
“I would’ve liked to have seen the Surf Coast follow the Daylesford/Hepburn wind farm example but I don’t really see the opportunity, not in the short-term.
“There needs to be a really big change in mindset from both sides of politics about whether we’re going to have a red-hot go at producing renewable energy because at the moment there isn’t the desire.”
Mr Stockton feared coal mines would continue to “dominate” the energy market while sustainable measures dwindled.
Premier Ted Baillieu previously rejected suggestions the changes would harm the wind farm industry and would reinstate local government as the planning authority for wind farm applications.