The recent Federal Election confirmed that the majority of Australians are looking for a less divisive, more respectful debate about the big challenges facing Australia. One of those is the growing economic, environmental and social impact of climate change and the necessary transition to a renewable energy future.
Squadron Energy’s community information sessions relating to the proposed Pikedale windfarm, west of Stanthorpe, have kick started the local debate around these developments. Unfortunately, we are already seeing the discourse degenerating into a slanging match characterised by exaggeration, primarily by anonymous “key board warriors” and pamphlets peddling misinformation.
It is important if we as a community are to maximise the benefits and minimise the costs of the necessary transition to a clean and sustainable energy future that the local debate is respectful, calm and based on sound science and facts. Of course everyone is entitled to their opinion but it is important that we are able to distinguish fact from fiction, science and engineering from ideology.
The new State Government has taken important steps to improve community and Council involvement in the approvals process for renewable projects. There is greater accountability placed on the project developer to be more transparent and to develop a deeper and more effective community engagement strategy and to provide for greater, long term benefits to local communities.
GBSAN supports the energy transition and the intent of the Government’s new requirements which recognise that while windfarms are an important part of the State’s clean energy future, host communities need to receive tangible and enduring economic benefits from these developments.
There are a range of legitimate concerns relating to the construction and operational phases of windfarms. The best way to get informed is to get off social media and get directly in contact with Acciona and Squadron Energy. For their part, these companies need to lift their game and pro-actively engage in the debate to counter misinformation, better understand and address community concerns and work with the Council to develop material benefit packages that meet community expectations.
Developer contact details: www.squadronenergy.com/contact and MacIntyre@acciona.com
