WMEAP - Media Release - October 2024
A very informative presentation by Mr Gerald Feeny of Gooroc was heard by the newly formed Wimmera Mallee Environmental and Agricultural Protection Association at a meeting on Monday night, October 28th at the Brim Hall.
The full house present heard Gerald explain the organisations and structures that are involved in the renewable energy rollout, affecting a large portion of Western Victoria, that in their present rush to develop will leave Victoria with a very insecure and expensive electricity system.
Gerald described how the very complex system of distributing electricity to the State cannot be guaranteed within the current government renewable targets. He also talked about wind energy being an intermittent power source that has to be over constructed by five to six times and how the battery storage systems are a very inefficient method of shifting power sideways.
The group also heard that wind energy developments are now not about reducing carbon emissions but as a guaranteed investment scheme for multi-national companies to drain money from Australian energy consumers.
Gerald explained how government has guaranteed multi-national profits, at the expense of Australian electricity customers and the Australian taxpayers. Asking the question, ‘why are Australian governments supporting multi-national companies profits and not the interests of Australian taxpayers?’
Gerald explained that there is no reason for the rush to roll out these projects and with proper planning better results could be achieved, with communities on board.
The meeting then heard from former Hopetoun resident, Allison Hudson, now living in the Portland district and her experience of living near wind turbines over the last 10 years, and the health problems they and their animals have faced during that time.
During a discussion session, members of the group outlined issues that have not been addressed by the local developers of buffer zones, fire safety, insurance and LPA accreditation restrictions of livestock produced in the vicinity of renewable developments.
The next meeting will be held in Warracknabeal on January 28 to encourage Warracknabeal residents to come and hear about the renewable developments locally that will affect them. Anyone wishing to have more information about the Association or to become a member can email admin@wmeap.com
