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Residents speak up against proposed wind farms bordering world heritage rainforests

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, attended a community meeting on the weekend in Tully, with residents expressing their concerns about major wind farms proposed along the Great Dividing Range behind world heritage rainforests in north Queensland.

The developments include the under construction Kaban wind farm (28 turbines), the proposed Chalumbin wind farm (94 turbines), and the proposed Mount Fox wind farm (97 turbines).

Mr Katter said he supported wind farms in locations like Hughenden where there isn’t a high proliferation of birdlife, wildlife, and rainforest, but said he tenaciously opposed the projects along the Great Dividing Range.

“When you put it here you are putting it beside the greatest proliferation of birdlife in the world,” Mr Katter said.

“The developers want to put these wind farms and their 70-meter-wide access roads on the tops of mountains which causes erosion.

“They are placing the wind farms here because it is on the existing transmission lines and cheap for them, but it sure is expense for nature and our wildlife. The people in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane might not care about our wildlife but we certainly do.”

Mr Katter said he supported a moratorium on wind farms being constructed beside world heritage rainforests along the Great Dividing Range.

In a recent letter, Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley confirmed that the Chalumbin and Upper Burdekin wind farms are being assessed under the EPBC Act, and that the public will have a chance to have their say.

“What is our beautiful nature wonderland is being turned into an industrial wasteland,” he said.

“The opponents of these wind farms are making great progress. We’ve had three meetings with Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley who can block these wind farms under the EPBC Act. She’s promised to come up to Ravenshoe. I put the wind farm developers on notice, that they should notify their investors of these developments.

“The State Government has also told the developers of the Chalumbin wind farm that their environmental reports were not up to scratch and to redo them.

“If the State and Federal Governments are fairdinkum about saving the planet then they should build Copperstring transmission line between Townsville and Mount Isa and build the wind farms out west where there’s no rainforest or high proliferation of wildlife.”

As members of the local community continue to raise concerns regarding these developments, the Wet Tropic Times will keep the community informed with current events.

Cardwell Lions Club News

LEE PORTER, THE TREASURER OF CARDWELL LIONS CLUB

AT our April meeting, the club was pleased to induct a new member Carol Palmer.

Being a Lions member gives the opportunity to help the Cardwell community, and members enjoy the satisfaction of giving their time to achieve that result.

Cardwell Lions thank members and volunteers Dianne McDonnell, Robyn Archer and Doug Shepherd for their assistance on our clean up day held in March.

Members and volunteers raised enough money at the Cardwell Easter Markets to be able to donate $1,000 towards Childhood Cancer. Thank you to everyone who supported the Lions stall.

The money raised by Lions members provides much-needed funds to assist the Cardwell community, charities and other beneficiaries, with over $13,000.00 being given this financial year.

A critical factor involved in raising funds is having enough people to carry out the activities, and Cardwell Lions desperately needs new members to continue its service to the community.

The regular Lions meat tray raffles held each Saturday at Cardwell's Marine Hotel from 12.30 pm to 1.30 pm are a valuable resource adding funds for distribution to the community. Participants' support is most appreciated.

On Sunday, May 1, the Club will be hosting the barbecue lunch for the Coral Sea Commemoration at Coral Sea Park. This is the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea, so please come along and join in the festivities.

Cardwell Lions Club is holding a Car Boot Sale on Sunday, May 22, with the barbecue fired up to provide bacon & egg burgers and a sausage sizzle.

Anyone interested in coming along to participate in the Car Boot Sale or have a Market Stall, please contact Caroline on 0407168004 or Lee on 0400872411.

Those interested in joining Cardwell Lions should contact Membership Officer Gerry Dyer on 0428756586 or email cardwelllions@gmail.com