A Federal decision to block a windfarm off Victoria’s coast has implications for the Mallee according to the region’s Federal MP.
The Commonwealth blocked the proposal off Hastings due to its likely impact on Ramsar wetlands.
Anne Webster has questioned why similar principles should not be deployed over prime agricultural land and bushland in the Mallee where renewable projects are planned.
“If ocean-based wind turbines are not approved for fear of adverse impacts on wetlands, why are Labor prepared to risk Mallee wetlands and rip up prime agricultural land, with local communities fragmented because of the projects?” the local Member asked.
Dr Webster said Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen had shown a lack of leadership by disregarding the concerns of farmers and communities right across regional Australia.
Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/windmills-clouds-fog-wind-power-1048981/
