NOVEMBER 10, 2015 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS + SPORT + PROPERTY GUIDE
We will remember In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. - John McCrae
(Shawn Smits)
On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, David Childs will join millions of Australians to remember the fallen soldiers. Mr Childs, president of Bacchus Marsh Returned Services League, said Remembrance Day was an important way of showing respect to those who had served in war. One minute of silence can be observed at Bacchus Marsh RSL, 203 Main Street, from 11am tomorrow.
Residents fear the noise Plans to increase the height of turbines at the proposed Lal Lal Wind Farm have sparked a call by Moorabool residents for tighter noise controls. Amendments to the construction permit for WestWind Energy’s wind farm are presently before the state government. Approved plans include 64 turbines, 130 metres high. However, the developers have applied to alter the plans to reduce that to 60 turbines of 161 metres in height. Turbine blades would then be lengthened from 46 metres to 61 metres. Lal Lal Environment Protection Association president John McMahon said residents were
concerned about the noise the bigger turbines may make. He said the turbines would be located as close as 650 metres from homes. “We calculate this proposal would increase the turbine blade sweep area by a whopping 76 per cent,” he said. “This development makes it even more essential that a planning panel is convened to carefully consider the greatly increased impacts of the proposed, much larger mega-turbines.” But Westwind managing director Tobi Geiger said bigger turbines meant more energy would be generated, with less noise. “It should be noted that larger wind turbines are not noisier just because they are larger,” Mr Geiger said. “In fact over the last couple of years, we have seen significant improvements
D-MAX 4X2 SX
SINGLE CAB CHASSIS MANUAL
to wind turbine blade aerodynamics compared to the technology that was available when Lal Lal was first approved.” Mr McMahon said the state government had still not tasked the EPA to independently police turbine noise. “Amazingly, wind companies continue to self-regulate,” he said. “The Lal Lal wind facility, if built as planned, would see 2005 people living within five kilometres of turbines. This would be an enormous community imposition.” Mr McMahon, said the Lal Lal farm, approved in April 2009, still required investors before construction could start. He said he believed the wind farm had attracted interest from Beijing-based company Goldwind.
Goldwind gained notoriety when it built 69 turbines just 180 metres away from houses at the Gullen Range wind farm near Goulburn in New South Wales. “We would be forced to keep a very close eye on turbine construction as there is a worrying precedent with Goldwind,” Mr McMahon said. Mr Geiger would not be drawn on what parties are considering investment in the scheme. “WestWind Energy is actively preparing for the next stage of this project and we are happy to provide more updates on this as progress is made,” he said. “I have had many discussions with many different parties over the last six months … none has led to an investment commitment by any party to date.”
1198765-RC37-15 10026541-06
Melton
MENTION THIS AD FOR FREE GIFT
25,990
$
DRIVEWAY*
EXCLUSIVE 3.0L ISUZU TURBO DIESEL • PREMIUM AUDIO w/ BLUETOOTH® & IPOD® CONNECTIVITY • HUGE 2,550mm LONG ALLOY TRAY • CRUISE CONTROL & POwER wINDOwS • FUEL EFFICIENT 8.0L/100KM • LIMITED STOCK
• We assist you all the way from permit to completion • Engineered in accordance to Aust Standards for local conditions
158-166High Street,Melton Ph:8746 0380 *Program price subject to change. Metallic/mica/pearl paint $396 extra. For full terms & conditions and current pricing visit isuzuute.com.au
Bacchus Marsh Area
Area
1206081-DJ46-15
By Esther Lauaki
150 High Street Melton
www.aussiebuiltsheds.com.au
Phone 9971 5257