A new community group has been formed to deal with a proposed wind farm across the Strathbogie tablelands.
The Italian based multi-national company, FERA, is planning a feasibility study this year to consider a wind farm, with towers up to 200m high across the hills between Seymour and Euroa.
The project could include 50 to 80 turbines across the districts including Upton Hill, Longwood East, Tarcombe, Ruffy, Terip, Cavet or Dropmore.
Rick and Jenny Laycock live on a 33ha farm property at Tarcombe and are not happy at the prospect of having wind generators on their horizon.
Mrs Laycock said she was not convinced the wind farms were the most efficient and effective method of generating renewable energy, and there was an environmental cost for the installation of such massive towers which may not be used much beyond 25 years.
Mrs Laycock would like to see an environmental assessment on the impact on wildlife, including birds, before any further steps were taken with the proposal.
“I would like to know if the location is on any established flight routes for our native birds,” she said.
Mrs Laycock has also been a volunteer fire brigade member and wonders how aerial water bombers would operate in an area occupied by 200m high turbines, when a landscape is affected by smoke and flames.
Mr and Mrs Laycock are also concerned at any damage that might be incurred in the installation of the turbines.
Mrs Laycock has driven past the turbines built as part of the Cherry Tree Wind Farm near Trawool and she found them confronting.
Gail Jenkins who manages and part owns a beef and sheep property at Tarcombe, does not want to see a wind farm turning the granite hills into “an industrial estate”.
She said they had been approached about three years ago to see if they were interested in hosting the generators but they had refused.
The generation company proposed a lease arrangement with the farmers being able to continue to graze the property, but with significant impact.
She said about 100 tonnes of concrete would be required for each turbine.
Mrs Jenkins was worried about the impact on the rural roads and road reserves caused by the introduction of massive infrastructure .
She has attended two community meetings and found many others of similar view to herself.
Country News reached out to the FERA company but no reply was received.
Country News understands that several landholders met with FERA Australia representatives in July.
No plans have been lodged with the Strathbogie Shire but the shire is keen to facilitate investment in renewable energy generation.
The shire says there are a number of factors leaning towards “the shire being well placed to accommodate large scale renewable energy generation and distribution ...”
However, the shire is concerned that the electricity transmission grid is not up to the task and will be lobbying the Victorian Government to attract funding for network improvements.
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