The $150 million project would generate up to 78 megawatts per year and support 40 construction and four ongoing jobs.

The original application had been for up to 27 turbines; however, the proponent removed one turbine from the proposal after it was found to have the potential to cause unacceptable visual and noise impacts.

The decision, announced on Tuesday, has not been welcomed by local political figures. Glen Innes Severn Council mayor Steve Toms said the approval

hadn’t taken into account the concerns of local residents.

“Given there is a standing committee doing an inquiry as we speak into rural wind farms, I find it a bit extraordinary that the State Government would approve it before it has had a chance to compile a report,” he said.

“The committee is still sitting and will do a good job, too, judging from the way it is getting on. From the point of view of the public, this announcement seems a bit

pre-emptive.”

Cr Toms said the decision flew in the face of the council’s development control plan, prepared with community

consultation, that proposed a two-kilometre setback from residences: “That hasn’t been taken into account, either.”

Cr Toms said the issue of sustainable energy was a challenging one for council, but that it supported the concept.

“This, however, does represent a significant change in land use,” he said.

“This has 26 towers, reduced from the 27 proposed, but we have in our area 300 towers proposed between the three wind farm projects. It does represent a major change and that’s where the inquiry, for us, made a lot of sense.”

Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay said: “Today’s decision is unacceptable and flies in the face of Glen Innes Severn and Inverell Council guidelines that turbines should be at least two kilometres from people’s houses.

“The decision is also premature because it pre-empts the recommendations of the Upper House Committee inquiry into wind farms which is still in hearings.”