Today (Tuesday 19th) in parliament I tabled a question to the Energy Minister Mick de Brenni about what’s going on. What plans discussions has the state government had with Wind Prospects Pty Ltd about renewable energy projects in our back yard? – 

“Will the minister please advise if he or his department has dealt with, or is dealing with, Wind Prospect Pty Ltd, or its representatives, concerning wind farm or renewable energy developments or development opportunities near Allora, or elsewhere in my electorate of South Downs.”

Later James Lister issued this statement:

“Local people turned out in force at the Allora Sports Club last Thursday. People are worried about the impacts of wind farms on the community. They’re worried about large transmission lines and turbines spoiling the landscape and their properties.

“They’re worried about 600 foot towers and turbines. And they’re worried that a lucky few landholders will be rewarded for hosting wind generators, while the rest of the community only get to experience the disadvantages.

“The state Labor government hasn’t told us anything about a windfarm near Allora, yet company reps have been knocking on doors east of Allora spruiking cash for wind turbines to landowners.

“I’ve seen what’s happened with MacIntyre Windfarm west of Warwick. Acciona knows that the Labor government in Brisbane unconditionally sides with wind farms, solar farms and Powerlink against communities in country areas. It emboldens the big end of town to ride roughshod over the needs and wishes of locals and local councils.

“The Labor government in Brisbane can override local council planning laws to allow wind farms. In fact Labor’s introduced a bill into parliament to further empower the state government to impose power lines, solar farms and wind farms on communities in the bush.”

This article appeared in the Allora Advertiser, 20 March 2024.
Related story: Not in my backyard – a resounding no to proposed wind farm