Letter to the Editor - Warracknabeal Herald 20/12/24

To the Editor,

There are a number of wind farms planned for the Wimmera and Mallee region.     This will impact you directly if you are living within 30km of any turbine.     Our region will never be the same as it has been and will be altered for generations to come.    

The size of the planned Warracknabeal Energy Park is enormous.    The 230 turbines to be used are up to 280 metres and double the size of the Murra Warra turbines, 17 metres less that the Eureka Tower in Melbourne. Wilkur Energy Park is planned to have 97 turbines of the same size.

The reported issues with turbines include but are not limited to; noise nuisance, light flicker, increased road traffic, bird and animal kills, fire risk and destruction of the region's visual amenity. 

 A local organisation called the Wimmera Mallee Environmental and Agricultural Protection Association Inc. (WMEAP) has been established by concerned local residents who are endeavouring to have these issues addressed and bring information to the community.

Both Yarriambiack and Buloke CEO’s and Mayors have been invited to the next meeting of the WMEAP on 28 January 2025, 7pm, Warracknabeal Community Centre.    To explain the size of the project and to answer all community questions.     Everyone is welcome, including hosts, neighbours and general community members.

Also under discussion will be buffer zones, community fund, environmental impacts, agricultural impacts and battery storage facilities.

Applications for membership are available to the whole community and is only $10. Please contact Janet by email at admin@wmeap.com.au or 0419511610 for a membership form.

Yours,

Ross Johns, President and Janet Addinsall, Secretary

Wimmera Mallee Environmental and Agricultural Protection Association Inc.