Windfarm opposition group rolls on

A lobby group dedicated to protecting the natural landscape of Central Otago has opposed an application by Federated Farmers to join the appeal against the Environment Court's Project Hayes decision.

Federated Farmers lodged an affidavit this month to join the Meridian Energy-led appeal against the November court decision, which cancelled consents granted by the Otago Regional Council and Central Otago District Council in a 350-page decision.

The Save Central group, a vociferous opponent of the 176-turbine wind farm bid, includes former All Black Anton Oliver and artist Grahame Sydney. It acts as an umbrella group for appellants to the Hayes consents, including the Maniototo Environmental Society, Central Otago Environmental Society and the Upland Landscape Protection Society.

Save Central co-ordinator Graye Shattky said the submission was lodged on the grounds Federated Farmers was not a party to the original resource consent applications and did not take part in either council hearings or Environment Court proceedings.

Federated Farmers wants to join the appeal to clarify the impact on section six of the Resource Management Act, which covers outstanding landscapes, the clearing of significant indigenous vegetation, and nationally important waterways.

Meridian will argue the Environment Court decision could lead to "planning paralysis".

The decision could also apply to routine farming consents and members could face expensive planning hurdles, Federated Farmers say.

Mr Shattky said no other parties, including energy companies, had applied to intervene.

The group did not consider the application for clarification of any legal implications as grounds for an intervention, he said.

"(The) presence of Federated Farmers is not necessary for the court to adjudicate the questions raised by the proceedings."

Federated Farmers South Island policy team leader Matt Harcombe declined to comment on Save Central's application.

Meridian's appeal against the ruling was lodged with the High Court in Dunedin and will be heard in June.

- © Fairfax NZ News

Newest First

Oldest First

Paige   #2   01:32 pm Mar 13 2010

Wind Power is the only renewable (Apart from Hydro) that can compete with fossil fuels in the free market. It's economically viable, and about as environmentally friendly as energy generation can get.

An interesting report done by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory last year shows no evidence that wind farms reduce the value of a home. A tell tale sign that most of the 'noise' and 'eyesore' complaints are hype. I believed them as well until I stayed next to one.

You're either burning fossil fuels, creating nuclear waste or flooding valleys and this seems like the lesser evil. We're down to 60% renewables now and importing energy in a world where it keeps getting more expensive.

I'm getting pretty tired of this selfish "Not in my backyard" approach you always hear to any energy project. I would love $2 billion dollars pumped into my local economy and to claim the technological marvel that is the largest wind farm in the southern hemisphere as an Otago icon and I'm sure I speak for many readers.

maic   #1   07:57 am Feb 25 2010

I used to think wind farms were a great idea - until I read about some of the problems that go with them. In brief they are a) An eyesore. b) The noise factor if one lives near them. c) Initial capital investment can be high. d) Maintenance costs can be extremely high. e) You need backup electricity generation plant to fill the gap if and when they aren't working.

Now I admit that I probably don't know the whole story but I do suggest that a healthy skeptism is in order until a full cost analysis is made by disinterested parties. (We've had the man made global warming scam - let's not be taken in by another.)

Ad Feedback