Council claims wind farm too loud

Tablelands Regional Council in Queensland has voted to start legal proceedings against RATCH Australia over claims that it has failed to abide by noise monitoring conditions at the Windy Hill Wind Farm.

The 20 turbine project was approved by the order Herberton Shire Council in 1999, with conditions requiring RATCH – known at the time as Transfield Infrastructure Services – to undertake periodic monitoring for three month periods.

Local press reports that the council has instructed its lawyers to commence proceedings in the Queensland Planning and Environment Court following an independent report saying there was no indication that the monitoring had occurred.

The council wants the company to comply with the original conditions, and to shut down three turbines at night time until compliance had been achieved.

RATCH says it has commissioned two studies of Windy Hill noise levels, including one for a three month period.

The company says those studies have showed Windy Hill complied with the conditions, and it is surprised the council has initiated court proceedings.

The Author

Darryn Van Hout

I developed an interest in the Australian energy and construction sectors more than a decade ago and have since closely followed the trends, technologies and developments shaping both industries. My involvement in the Australian solar market began in 2008, and over the years I have built strong connections with professionals, businesses and organisations across the construction, solar and renewable energy sectors in Australia and internationally. These connections include solar panel and inverter manufacturers, electrical and construction industry professionals, software developers creating tools to quote, monitor and manage solar power systems, and media organisations that closely follow developments across energy, construction and renewable technologies. Today, I continue to contribute as an industry advocate, author and commentator, sharing practical insights and information to help Australian consumers and businesses better understand solar power, energy technologies, construction-related developments and the changing Australian energy landscape.