Residents close to a proposed 120-turbine wind farm in the Mount Lofty Ranges, east of the South Australian state capital, Adelaide, could be paid to support the development.
TrustPower Australia has revealed it will offer payments for what it calls ‘good wind farm neighbours’.
Wind farms in Australia typically pay several thousand dollars per annum to farmers for each wind turbine located on their land.
In addition they usually establish funds to support community groups and projects such as the local fire authority or sporting groups.
However, in a first the company will offer annual payments of at least $2000 to people living within two kilometres of the proposed Palmer wind farm, northwest of Mannum.
TrustPower chief executive Rodney Ahern said it would spread the wealth of the $700 million project, but with conditions.
“Not to interfere with the wind farm and to basically be a good neighbour,” he said.
“If they’re happy to support the wind farm or not object to it and not to do things on their land to interfere then we’re happy to pay them.”
ABC News reports Tony Walker from the Eastern Mount Lofty Ranges Landscape Guardians said it showed the development would have a negative impact on the local community.
“They wouldn’t be making this offer if they really believe their own publicity which is that you won’t really suffer any problems at all,” he said.
“Will any amount of money really fix the destructive impact that that’s going to have?”
R
esidents will be able to apply to receive the payments until a planning application is lodged for the wind farm.
Mr Ahern said the offer would be in the form of an agreement that would specify the agreed payment to commence when the wind farm is constructed.
It would include a commitment from TrustPower not to construct any turbines within 1km of a residence, which is existing at the time of lodgement of the planning application, and some restrictions on the property to ensure land uses do not interfere with the operation of the wind farm.
In addition neighbours would need to agree to support the wind farm development application.
