April 12 2012
An emphatic no has been the return verdict on a community survey in Sutton Grange Central Victoria. The survey was commissioned as a result of local concern regarding a wind power development proposed by the Mount Alexander Sustainability Group.
The MASG had been successful in convincing the Mt Alexander Shire to write to State Government requesting the reversal of a decision to place a no go zone in the east of the Shire and to scrap the 2km exclusion area from dwellings.
A convincing 47 pc return from some 160 forms sent to households in the Sutton Grange Landcare area reveals that 61% of respondents are opposed to wind power in Sutton Grange. Of those that had no objection to the proposal 26% said a buffer to dwellings should be more than two kilometers and 40% stated more than four kilometers as their preference.
Community spokesperson Jock MacRae said “the people of Sutton Grange are well known for the value they place on their landscapes and it’s not surprising that renewable energy is generally supported. However what is of real concern is that contrary to the assertions of MASG that the community has been broadly consulted not one of the respondents to the survey indicated participation in such process.”
“it makes you wonder who the MtAlexander Shire is listening to” the former Mayor added.
The Sutton Grange landscape protectors have evolved through ongoing concern over the proposal and have resolved to pass on to government the results of the survey and to support the current exclusion zones and guidelines in place.
Sutton Grange Landscape Protectors
For further details contact
Jock MacRae 0438 511931 spokesperson.
