Noise pollution, increased bushfire risk, impact on wildlife and unverified claims in the proponent’s paperwork.
These are just some of the issues local residents outlined yesterday afternoon at a public hearing on the Bowmans Creek Wind Farm.
The hearing before the Regional Planning Panel was told the proponent of a wind farm bid near Muswellbrook will place locals in a ‘bushfire death trap’.
Ark Energy was attacked by all but three of the 18 presenters before the planning officials who will determine if the Bowmans Creek Wind Farm gets the go-ahead.
McCullys Gap resident Nola Connor said all of her attempts over the past 5 years to gain useful information from the company have fallen on deaf ears.
One Bowmans Creek family who have lived on their property for several generations said it completely backs a proposed wind farm in the area.
The hearing was told the Ball’s will host five wind turbines on their large farm if Ark Energy’s plan is approved.
Leonie Ball was the only local resident who spoke in favour of the renewable power project at the meeting yesterday afternoon.
She said it’s the best option for her family’s future.