23 June
2006 - Australian Government Minister for the
Environment and Heritage, Senator Ian Campbell,
said today’s decision by the State and Territory
governments not to support the development of
a National Code for Wind Energy Installations
was a disappointment for both local communities
and the wind energy industry.
The Labor states united at today’s
meeting of environment Ministers in Sydney (EPHC)
to vote against the Commonwealth proposal.
“Wind power is an important
source of renewable energy and the Australian
Government wants to ensure it continues to form
part of our energy mix, in a way that is economically,
socially and environmentally sustainable,” Senator
Campbell said.
“However, an increasing number
of communities are expressing concern about the
potential impact of wind energy installations
on landscapes, amenity and threatened species.
“Much of these publicly expressed
concerns centre around the consistency and transparency
of the public consultation process – essentially
communities want to make sure that their views
are heard and given a high priority.
“The wind energy industry is
also concerned about the need for greater consistency
and transparency in the wind energy installation
planning and approval process.
“The message is loud and clear
from both sides of this debate – but it apparently
isn’t being heard by the State and Territory Governments.”
“I am very disappointed that,
despite initial indications from New South Wales
and Queensland that they would support communities
in this matter, politics ruled the day. I will
proceed to convene a national round table on this
critical issue, which I will invite the states
to take part in.”
Senator Campbell said, “I was
particularly disturbed to hear the West Australian
Environment Minister Mark McGowan argue against
the code with the words, “… sometimes when local
communities don’t agree you have to roll over
the top of them …”.
“This is why we need a code,
so that the members of the local community are
given a high prominence in determining whether
wind installation will go ahead.”
Senator Campbell said the rapid
growth in the number of wind energy installations
in Australia had largely been driven by the investment
stimulated through the Australian Government’s
Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET).
“In 1996 there were 20 wind
turbines in Australia. Today there are almost
600 either built or under construction. A National
Code for Wind Energy Installations is an important
step towards ensuring a sustainable future for
this important energy source.
“A nationally consistent development
process will help harness the potential of wind
energy to combat climate change, while reassuring
communities and industry about planning, approval
and operational issues.” / Rob Broadfield (Senator
Campbell's Office)
