Steve Fielding (Victoria, Family First Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the following matter be referred to the Community Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by 30 April 2011:

The social and economic impacts of rural wind farms, and in particular:

(a)

any adverse health effects for people living in close proximity to wind farms;

(b)

concerns over the excessive noise and vibrations emitted by wind farms, which are in close proximity to people’s homes;

(c)

the impact of rural wind farms on property values, employment opportunities and farm income;

(d)

the interface between Commonwealth, state and local planning laws as they pertain to wind farms; and

(e)

any other relevant matters.

Christine Milne (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Acting Deputy President, I seek leave to make a short statement.

Leave granted.

Russell Trood (Queensland, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

You have two minutes.

Christine Milne (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Mr Acting Deputy President. This is a motion that has been put forward by Senator Fielding and has the support of the coalition and Senator Xenophon; therefore, the reference was to go forward, so the Greens amended this reference so that it takes into account a broader set of criteria in looking at wind farms. There is certainly concern in the community about the health impacts of wind farms. In my view, that is more imagined than real, especially since the National Health and Medical Research Council brought out a report this year on this very issue saying that there were no concerns.

However, there is a very genuine community concern which needs to be looked at and also there needs to be consideration of the planning issues concerned, because really the big concern, I think, is that nobody is quite sure about the interface between local government planning laws, state planning arrangements and where the federal government’s approval processes kick in in relation to wind farms. I think all the states especially would appreciate some clarity around this issue. Including the planning provision here to be looked at as well as allowing the National Health and Medical Research Council to get involved will make for a better informed community. The Greens certainly support the expansion of the wind industry in Australia.

Question agreed to.