Farmers may be in for a windfall

Area News
Monday 30/10/2006, Page: 3

WIND farm turbines could soon dot the local countryside and provide extra income for farmers if the state government acts quickly and provides more incentives, according to a national wind farm body.

The Australian Wind Energy Association (Auswind) agrees with claims by local Greens state election candidate Peter Carruthers that farmers could save their drought-hit livelihoods by supporting the renewable energy source.

A large area north of Griffith, around Rankins Springs and Lake Cargelligo stretching to Condobolin, is considered viable for wind farms.

Auswind media and community relations manager Rob Clancy said NSW was below par compared with other states regarding incentives for renewable energy, and demanded wind farms be put on a level playing field with other forms of energy.

"We would definitely look at getting companies to expand into more areas if the incentives were available," Mr Clancy said. "And it can be a very good alternative income for farmers. They generally receive $5000 to $10,000 per year, per turbine, for a period of 20 to 25 years." Mr Clancy said state governments including Victoria and South Australia had increased incentives for renewable energy and the market had taken off.

But NSW has not increased incentives since a federal scheme was introduced several years ago. Mr Carruthers believes renewable energies such as wind farming and solar farming can provide alternative incomes.

"If we can get politicians to change their opinions then we are doing the right thing," Mr Carruthers said. "Why hasn't the NSW government and the federal government combined? If they worked together they would make an impact.

"People are saying they (farmers) should be kicked off their land, but they need to look at other options and have professional and technical advice to make that happen." Murrumbidgee MP Adrian Piccoli said he would like to see more renewable energy developments in NSW and agreed it looked like a good option for farmers to make money.