In the electorate of Burrinjuck there is one operational wind farm located about 10 kilometres south of Crookwell, with other proposals in varying stages of development at Taralga, Woodlawn, Eastern Capital, which is east of Lake George, Spring Hill, near Hall, the Cullerin Ranges, and for further expansion of the existing Crookwell wind farm.
Wind farms cannot be ignored. The height of the towers and their large blades routinely reach 125 metres from the ground.
Their visual presence is unavoidable, and many of my constituents contend that the sound they produce is distracting and nerve-wracking.
Ms Hodgkinson has received many representations over the Spring Hill proposal, in particular Mr Barry Oliver, a hang gliding pilot, who has obvious concerns because of the presence of large rotating turbine blades in an area frequented by recreational hang gliders.
Mr Steve Green of Taralga, was concerned about the effect the turbines will have on naturally vegetated land and property earmarked for revegetation by government-funded groups and individuals.
Mr and Mrs Brett Edwards from Cullerin wrote:
"Have we not suffered enough with the drought! We will not be forced to live, suffer lifestyle and huge land devaluations with these turbines for the convenience of Governments and overseas developers."
Mr and Mrs Chris Edwards of Breadalbane wrote:
"Since the bypass we have had the pleasure of a much quieter life, the spectacular scenery that we enjoy is hard to compare to anywhere else. Therefore you will be shocked to hear that our little community is proposed to have an industrial wind turbine farm"
Mr and Mrs Hannan, also from Breadalbane, wrote:
"We do not want our landscape littered with ugly, noisy turbines that will damage our view, our health, our quality of life, the local wildlife and our rural community."
In support of the developments, local farmer Mr Ken Ainsworth, said:
"We look forward to the turbines providing ongoing revenue that we will receive irrespective of other farm incomes."
Mr K. Connor of Taralga also wrote in support, saying:
"I have lived in this district all of my life, I am 66 years old. I trapped rabbits and worked in shearing sheds for 40 odd years. I have not long paid off my farm and the bonus to my years of toil would be some turbines on my land, a bonus one could say for hanging in there."
Paul and Glenda Miskelly of Taralga expressed concerns that some decision makers are acknowledging there are problems but are willing to sacrifice people’s quality of life for the perceived benefits of wind farms to address greenhouse gas abatement.
An Upper Lachlan Council survey of the residents of Taralga about their attitudes to the Taralga wind farm proposal showed that residents of Taralga opposed the wind farm by 102 responses to 52.
"Wind farms have a place in our society but, in my view, not when they cause bitter divisions in local communities or are located in a relatively densely settled rural environment-and certainly not when they negatively impact on lifestyle, the environment, land values and the wellbeing of residents.
"The recently approved Woodlawn wind farm is an example of a beneficial development. Some other proposals in the electorate of Burrinjuck, such as the Spring Hill proposal, have local residents up in arms.
"The Government must listen to, and consult with, the people of Burrinjuck when making decisions regarding the construction of wind farms, said Ms Hodgkinson
http://yass.yourguide.com.au/detail.asp?class=news&subclass=local&story_id=442046&category=General%20News&m=11&y=2005
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