Tuesday, 15 October 2019

In reply to  Ms BATH (Eastern Victoria) (13 August 2019)

Mr WYNNE (Richmond—Minister for Housing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Planning):

I thank the Member for Eastern Victoria for her question and for raising the concerns of her constituents.

A planning permit application for the proposed Delburn wind farm has not been lodged with me for consideration, at this time. The Member outlines several concerns about the impact of the proposal on the local community and environment. Under the requirements of the Planning and Environment Act 1987, these matters will be considered during the planning permit process, if an application is lodged.

The Member has raised noise impacts as being of primary concern to the community. A permit application must be supported by a predictive noise assessment report as well as an environmental audit of the predictive report. This information will allow noise impacts to be comprehensively assessed. I am advised that the developer has engaged independent experts to ensure that the project is designed to comply with the applicable noise limits.

I acknowledge the community’s concerns about bushfire risks. If a permit application is lodged, it must be supported by information about bushfire risks, and I am advised that the proponent has engaged independent experts to ensure the proposal is designed with the community’s safety in mind.

I assure the Member that amenity impacts and proximity of turbines to houses are key issues that will be considered during the assessment process. This will include assessment of visual impacts on those houses. Flora and fauna impacts will also be considered, alongside any other environmental effects. The potential impact on property values however, is not a valid planning consideration.

If and after a permit application is lodged, public notice will be given to the community under the requirements of the legislation. I strongly encourage any member of the community who has concerns to participate in the planning process by raising their concerns in writing, and I will consider these views as part of the assessment.