Environment Victoria has welcomed the ALP’s commitment today that they would scrap the Coalition’s 2 km anti-wind farm zones if elected but said more clarity was required about whether Labor would allow wind-farms in regions where the Coalition had banned the industry entirely.
Environment Victoria CEO Mark Wakeham said today:
“The ALP’s announcement today signals a return to common sense wind farm planning. The proposed 1 km buffer is consistent with noise conditions that other industries are required to meet.”
“This will encourage a pipeline of new wind farm projects across the State. Under the Coalition’s anti wind farm vendetta it has been harder to gain approval for a new wind farm than a new coal mine or coal-fired power station. This would no longer remain the case under Labor’s policy.”
“However the Coalition also declared entire regions of the state, including the Macedon and McHarg Ranges, Bass Coast, Bellarine Peninsula and many other areas, off limits to wind farms. This includes community owned and operated wind farms. The ALP still needs to clarify whether these arbitrary and illogical exclusions apply.”
Labor also announced that renewable energy projects would receive $20m of the ALP’s proposed $200m Future Industries Fund.
Mr Wakeham said:
“The proposed $20m renewable energy fund is welcome and will provide a boost to clean-tech industries across the state.”
“These two announcements are important measures, and in stark contrast to the attacks on clean energy by the Coalition, but we still need the ALP to outline its policies for reducing greenhouse pollution and cleaning up our energy supply.”
With just 16 days until the election it’s time for the ALP, and all parties, to release their environment and climate policies.
For comment: Mark Wakeham, CEO, Environment Victoria – 0439 700 501