Victorian Premier Denis Napthine has outlined his fondness for wind farms, but will not push for a weakening of Victorian restrictions on their development.
Speaking at the opening of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest wind farm – the 420 MW Macarthur in Victoria’s south-west – Dr Napthine said the government recognised the importance of developing alternative sources of energy.
“At the same time, the government recognises the need for wind energy facilities to be developed in appropriate locations, to minimise impacts on our natural environment and local communities while providing certainty to wind farm developers,” he said.
Dr Napthine added that his experiences with wind power had been particularly positive.
"I remember years ago seeing wind turbines in Wales and parking on the side of the road and just watching them," he said, according to The Border Mail.
"I think they are absolutely fantastic, they're not right in every place, but in places like this, the wide open plains, I think they are really valuable in term of the energy they produce."
"I think they are majestic, and I actually love them."