The NDL (23/6/20) edition included disappointing reporting on an invitation-only information session held by proposed Hills of Gold Wind Farm major turbine host Sue Robinson.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Giving voice to guest Australian Wind Alliance (AWA) national coordinator Andrew Bray's criticism of Hills of Gold Preservation Inc further reduces social cohesion and fuels community division.
For community transparency, Mr Bray's travel will be paid for by proponent Wind Energy Partners Pty Ltd.
The meeting discussed the proposed Community Enhancement Fund.
Limiting invitees to supporters and fence-sitters censored the conversation.
Wind Energy Partners Pty Ltd hosted a Community Enhancement Fund Workshop with the Hills of Gold Wind Farm Community Consultative Committee in February.
The workshop (details in the final pages of the CCC's April minutes on hillsofgoldenergy.com) was inconclusive, with content to be referred to three councils' management for feedback.
It discussed limiting spending to eligible proposals, not on private land, and not maintenance that is traditionally council's responsibility.
It is premature to raise the expectation of a section of the community to fund 'big ticket items.'
The proposal could be 18 months away from determination, the Community Enhancement Fund does not yet exist.
Even if approved the project may remain in limbo for 10 years like the Upper Hunter Energy Park.
Nundle and Hanging Rock proactively attract grants for community projects and don't need to sell out an area of high conservation value, neighbouring Ben Halls Nature Reserve and Crawney Pass National Park, and at the headwaters of the Peel, Hunter and Barnard/Manning Rivers.
Megan Trousdale, Nundle