Renewable Energy Target Review
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
Dear Sirs,
I am writing to submit some views on the review of the Renewable Energy Target (RET) scheme. My
observations relate to my experiences as a landowner who has a portion of a wind farm, the
Clements Gap Wind Farm, situated on my property. My home is situated just over one kilometre
from the nearest generator and most of the 27 generator towers that comprise the wind farm are
visible from my home. As both a financial beneficiary and one who is subject to first-hand exposure
to a wind farm I consider that I am well versed to comment on this form of renewable energy.
Background
The Clements Gap Wind Farm was given planning approval by the Port Pirie Regional Council in July
,2003, following extensive consultation with the affected landholders and the local community. This
included consultation with indigenous groups associated with the region, the Nukunu, Narangga
and the Kaurna. Public consultation was undertaken in November, 2003, and of the 120 people who
attended a public meeting 100% supported wind power as a means of producing electricity, and 92%
supported the proposed establishment of a wind farm at Clements Gap. This support was based on
the following expectations –
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that construction and operation of the wind farm would have positive effects on the local
economy
that there would be benefits to local landholders, local services and local employment
that it would make a positive impact on the South Australian economy
that the wind farm would contribute towards Australia meeting environmental and emission
targets
that the wind farm would contribute to a sustainable, diverse and secure source of energy
supply
Experiences
The construction and operation of the Clements Gap Wind Farm has met most of the expectations of
the local community with few negative impacts. The major concern regarding visual impact has
proven not to be warranted with very few concerns about the towers intruding on the overall
appearance of the landscape. While this is very much a subjective and personal judgement the
overwhelming community view is that the wind farm is not offensive in appearance.
From the point of view of landholders who own the land leased for the wind farm the economic
benefit has been substantial and the regular annual rental payments have provided some much
needed income, particularly in low production years and when commodity prices have been
depressed. The annual electricity production bonus is an added benefit which further enhances the
income of landholders and flows on to the local and broader community.
Apart from direct benefits to landholders and businesses in the region the flow on benefits to local
and regional community sporting and social organisations has also been significant. These broader
community benefits should not be overlooked in the consideration of continuing support for wind
farms and other forms of renewable energy. The fact that renewable energy activities such as wind
farms help sustain regional communities is a significant consequential benefit.
Summary
Whatever the arguments may be for maintaining or adjusting the Renewable Energy Target based on
direct market considerations, and whether or not 41,000 GWh remains the appropriate target
objective, there are numerous other benefits derived from renewable production that should be
taken in to account. From the perspective of wind generated electricity and its economic,
environmental and social impact at a local and regional level my personal experience is that wind
farms –
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provide a vital boost to local and regional economies
provide valuable income for involved land holders
fund local community organisations including sporting bodies and emergency services
have no negative environmental impacts other than a visual impact in the eyes of some
make a substantial contribution to production of electricity (particularly in South Australia)
I trust that, in its deliberation, the RET Review panel takes into consideration the wider benefits of
renewable energy production, and particularly the much needed and valued economic and social
benefits to rural and regional communities.
Andrew Inglis
South Australia