Ongoing monitoring of noise levels at Moorabool’s Lal Lal wind farm will not be necessary once turbines start running and initial testing is done, according to the Victorian Wind Alliance (VWA).
“If the permit conditions require that tests be undertaken to verify any noise produced is within proper limits, then it should be done,” VWA state co-ordinator Andrew Bray said. “Beyond that, there’s no need to keep monitoring it.”
As reported by the Weekly, Lal Lal Environment Protection Association spokesman John McMahon last month said it was “grossly irresponsible” that no independent body was in charge of monitoring noise levels for such projects.
“No one other than the wind companies themselves are measuring the noise levels,’’ he said.
“They’re meant to measure them and rectify any infringements, but they have no incentive to do so.”
WestWind Energy’s 64-turbine Lal Lal development was approved by then planning minister Justin Madden in 2010.
The company has until April 2017 to build the turbines.
WestWind Energy managing director Toby Geiger said some early civil works had been undertaken, but whether the project continues depends on a federal government review of the nation’s renewable energy target.
“There’s a chance [Tony] Abbott may scrap it all, and if that’s the case, anyone with the intention of putting in solar panels or building a wind farm would be very upset,” Mr Geiger said.
“However, we’re pretty confident we’ll finish by the permit condition date.”
The review is investigating the target’s progress, investment certainty and measures to ease pressures on electricity prices.
The VWA said the current fixed target of 41,000 gigawatt hours of renewable energy per year by 2020 was adequate.
The review will be presented to the government by mid-year. Submissions close May 16.
