The Eastern Hills and Murray Plains Catchment Group supports the development of a 57-wind turbine wind farm, planned by Victorian company Hydro Pacific and earmarked for the Sedan ranges.

Project officer Steve Coombe said, “It’s better than a coal fire station”.

The catchment group, which assists Keyneton landholders, works to provide support through biodiversity protection and enhancement, sustainable use of water resources and productive and sustainable land management.

Mr Coombe said while concerns have been raised over environmental issues, 92 per cent of the proposed land is already cleared. “There are a couple of native vegetation patches that are involved in the proposed site but we have been assured the company will avoid these areas,” he said.

He explained he has been working closely with Hydro Pacific and will continue to do so to maintain all environmental issues are covered.

“We also have lots of research on bats, birds, and plants so we can provide support and advice,” he said.

Mr Coombe was also one of 30 people including four Hydro Pacific representatives who visited Clement’s Gap, near Red Hill, to view the 27-turbine wind farm this month. This was one of two field trips organised by Hydro Pacific to enable residents, for and against the Keyneton development, to gain an insight into wind farms including their turbines size, the sound they make and learn more through feedback. Pacific Hydro’s executive manager Andrew Richards, who joined the tour, said the company has already built five wind farms in Victoria. He said with one development, 100 per cent of the people supported the move.

However, he said there had been a growing concern among people over health risks and wind farms.

Mr Richards explained from a Federal senate inquiry held in January this year, information revealed stress related concerns were reported rather than ill health effects.

“We have a lot of data which measure the infra-sound of a wind farm and the sound is not at a level which affect humans,” he said. The wind farm is designed to meet the criteria set by the South Australian Environmental Protection Agency.

The company also invests revenue from each wind farm project back into communities.

Through grants, Keyneton and nearby towns will receive about $110,000 annually to support projects and organisations.