A vocal group of rural residents have vowed to stop a wind farm proposed east of Keyneton.
They believe the development, planned by Victorian based company Hydro Pacific, is not suitable for the area.
Residents say the project will dramatically change the environment and visuals, has potential fire and health risks and will devaluate their properties.
The $200million-plus wind farm involves 57 turbines and is to be built in two clusters to span several kilometres along the ranges of Sedan Hill.
While the wind turbines have the potential to provide 51,000 SA homes with electricity, Keyneton resident and Cambrai landowner Hiedi Smith believes the entire district should have been made aware of the entire proposal sooner.
While she and the opposing group of 30 support renewable energy she said, “We have reservations with this wind farm because there is not enough sustainable evidence to support them at this stage”.
Her views follow self-described conservator and Keyneton resident of 32 years David Formby.
David, who has seen the site undergo land degradation through man and animals over the years, said these changes could be undone, but stressed, “It would be lost once it became an industrial site”.
He said there are also “plenty of people sitting on the fence who are unsure what to think”.
David said he upset people two years ago when he first highlighted the development, but “was not fazed by the flack he copped”.
The Herald made contact with four Keyneton residents in support of the wind farm, but they did not want to make a public comment.
A Pacific Hydro spokeswoman explained more than 100 people showed up at the community sessions held last week in Keyneton and Cambrai. She said the response to the meetings were positive. This week the company will compile feedback received by the public.
The spokeswoman said this will help the company to address any concerns.
The next key milestone for Hydro Pacific will be to prepare an application for the state’s Development Assessment Commission by September.
Meanwhile, the residents opposing the project believe they haven’t lost the battle yet. Last Wednesday, the state’s Environment Resources and Developmental Court ruled in favour of a South East dairy farmer to quash a $175million wind farm, involving 46 turbines, near his property, on the grounds of visual amenity.
Also, the group will draw from Mid North residents, two of whom attended the community sessions, who have since provided researched facts about concerns over wind farms built near their properties.
Keyneton residents have organised a community meeting tomorrow night (Thursday) from 7.30pm at the town hall.
The meeting is to form a committee to plan for action to oppose the development.
To discuss the issue, contact David Formby on 8564 8293 and 0428 314 001.
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