COMMUNITIES PREFER WIND POWER – RESEARCH
The State Government’s ban on wind power has misread the community’s
attitude to renewable energy, says WISE
Research conducted in July 2010 by QDOS, a prominent polling company, shows
that when asked how new energy demands should be met, 70 percent of adults
prefer wind power, 24 percent gas fired power stations, and a mere 6 percent
coal fired power stations.
In the Macedon electorate the support for wind power was the highest in the
state. 75% preferred new energy demand to be met from wind power, with 23%
in favour of gas fired generation. Just 2% supported the building of additional
coal fired plants.
WISE President Peter Hansford said the information supports the WISE group’s
decision to press on with their community wind project.
“We have received strong and growing support from the local community, with
hundreds of signatures on our petition and offers of help from local residents”,
he said.
“I am no politician, but I believe our aspiration for the Macedon Ranges
Community Wind Farm to build three wind turbines is an electoral winner and
closer to the community’s wishes than the government’s new wind farm
planning guidelines which severely restricts the future of wind power in the
state and prohibits the building of any wind power generators across the entire
Macedon Ranges Planning Scheme, he said
Mr. Hansford also released details of research conducted by QDOS following the
recent federal election which showed consistent swings to the Labor
Government in areas close to wind energy facilities.
This data reinforces the view that there is strong community support for
renewable energy said Mr Hansford, “we know we are on the right track by
attempting to enable local solutions to our energy and carbon future.
Inquiries Peter Hansford 0417050939