Local Community Group Provides Ongoing Opposition to Wind Farm Project
The Seymour Wind Farm will consist of 80 to 100 wind turbines and is situated to the north-east of Melbourne.
A community in a regional town to the north-east of Melbourne has vowed to resist a proposed large-scale wind farm project for the foreseeable future.
The Seymour Wind Farm, led by Italian renewable energy company Fera, will feature 80 to 100 wind turbines.
Fera Director Andrew Lawson is optimistic that the ambitious project will move forward, calling it “one of the very best projects in Victoria.”
However, opinions on the project vary within the community, with some strongly opposing it while others support it.
Community Group Expresses Concerns
Darryl Otzen, the secretary of the Strathbogies Responsible Renewables Community Group (SRRCG), believes that most residents share his apprehensions.
Although supportive of renewable energy, Otzen is worried about how Fera has sought backing for the project.
“We are uncertain about who exactly supports the project as Fera has not disclosed that information,” Otzen told The Epoch Times.
“They have not provided any maps indicating where the wind turbines will be placed on properties,” Otzen expressed, highlighting the potential divisiveness of the issue within the community.
“There is still significant distrust in the community regarding Fera.”
The concerns raised by residents of Strathbogie Ranges are mirrored by others.
On Oct. 14, reports surfaced that Norwegian company Equinor, in partnership with Australian company Oceanex, opted not to submit a formal application for a feasibility license to construct an offshore wind farm in the Illawarra region,
The designated zone spans the entire coast from south of Sydney to Kiama, covering an area of 1,000 square kilometers.
The company had previously announced plans to commence the project in 2028, with turbines generating electricity by 2030.
However, during the public consultation period, over 14,000 submissions were received, with a large majority opposing the project. Concerns were raised about the environmental and economic impacts of a wind turbine zone.
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Thousands of local residents attend a rally at Flagstaff Point protesting against a proposed offshore wind turbine farm to be located 10km off the Illawarra coast, Wollongong, NSW in Australia on Oct. 29, 2023. AAP Image/Dean Lewins
Otzen mentions that his community group has sent multiple emails to Fera without receiving replies. Additionally, a community survey on the SRRCG website, with 190 respondents in 2024 and 201 in 2023, revealed that only 2 percent supported the project.
Company Excited About Wind Turbines
According to its website, the project aims to begin civil planning and environmental studies in 2025 and 2026, with plans to commence construction and commissioning in 2028.
Fera emphasizes that modern turbines are more efficient, produce more power, rotate at fewer revolutions per minute, and operate more quietly. Manufacturers also offer a 30-year warranty.
“There is a lot of work to be done. But I believe it’s a great project, and we believe it’s one of the best projects in Victoria,” stated Fera’s Director Lawson in an interview with The Epoch Times.
“We received one negative response [from our renewable energy survey]. But we have not dwelled on it. It validated our own thoughts but we are not disputing it.
“I think it will significantly contribute to the state’s future energy production.”
Fera’s survey, which interviewed 190 individuals, mostly supported the project.
Lawson addresses concerns from Strathbogie Ranges residents about his company’s transparency and community backing.
“We are more than willing to meet with people. We have met with over 350 farmers in the last few years. We have engaged with all councils and communities,” he stated.
“We are eager to explain the project to anyone interested.”
The blade of a wind turbine is seen at the Taralga Wind Farm in the Southern Tablelands region in NSW, Australia on Aug. 31, 2015. Mark Kolbe/Getty Images
Fera affirms its commitment to conducting regular community sessions every three months.
“Numerous groups in the area strongly advocate for renewable energy and recognize the project’s benefits,” Lawson stated, pointing to environmental group BEAM and the energy co-op group, Year 2030.
Financial Insights
Additionally, Fera estimates the project’s total cost to be $1.5 billion for the full 600 megawatts of generation, which is expected to power 430,000 homes.
The SRRCG has previously questioned the $1.5 billion figure.
“Back in early 2022, Fera mentioned a cost of $1-1.5 billion,” Otzen stated, noting that inflation could impact this estimation.
“They are not being realistic. It probably has already reached $2.5 billion. Where will the funds come from?”
Lawson countered that the final cost would depend on the number of turbines erected.
“It may be $1.2 billion, it may be $1.7 billion. It will hinge on the final number of turbines and the ultimate design,” he explained.
Landholders agreeing to host a turbine on their property will receive more than $30,000 annually in rebates per turbine.
Employing renewable projects on agricultural land is considered a potential revenue source for Australian farmers.
Debate Over Wind Speeds
The Strathbogie Ranges, part of the Great Dividing Range with Mount Strathbogie rising to 1,033 meters, consist of low mountain ranges. The region is home to over 25 vineyards.
“Fera claims that the Strathbogie Ranges have a known good wind resource. That is up for debate,” Otzen remarked.
“There have been no comprehensive wind measurements conducted across the area.”
A supplied image obtained on Nov. 27, 2020, of a wind farm at Granville Harbour in Tasmania, Australia. AAP Image/Courtesy of Granville Harbour Wind Farm
In the meantime, Lawson stated that Fera has been closely monitoring wind patterns in the Strathbogie Ranges for nearly two years.
“Wind speeds are excellent, and we are very confident that it is a great project. We wouldn’t proceed with the project if we didn’t believe it was windy enough.”
Fera is also contributing $500,000 annually to a community fund to address concerns about wildlife harm and potential fatalities.
The area is inhabited by endangered species such as the gang-gang cockatoo, swift parrot, squirrel glider, Macquarie perch, as well as raptors and koalas.
