A new wind farm that will power thousands of homes and create hundreds of jobs has sparked backlash with locals complaining it will ruin the picturesque landscape.
Forty wind turbines will be constructed between Palmer and Tungkillo in the Hills, outside Adelaide in South Australia, as part of the Palmer Wind Farm.
The 288 megawatt farm will join the state’s electricity grid and it is estimated the energy harnessed could power around 144,000 homes, The Advertiser reported.
Additionally, there should be around 220 construction jobs created whilst the wind farm is being set-up and once finished, there will be five permanent ongoing jobs.
But the project being developed by Tilt Renewables hasn’t made everyone happy, with concerns for the environment, property prices being devalued and increased risk to fire safety.
An online petition was started in March and has gained more than 1,200 signatures with residents continuing to voice their concerns over the following months.
‘The government are not thinking about all the environmental damage they are doing,’ one wrote.
‘I believe the hills environment should be kept sacred at all costs,’ another said.
Forty wind turbines will be constructed between Palmer and Tungkillo in the Hills, outside Adelaide in South Australia , as part of the Palmer Wind Farm
The 288 megawatt farm will join the state’s electricity grid and it is estimated the energy harnessed could power around 144,000 homes (stock image)
A third added: ‘I am appalled this could even be considered.’
Two nearby animal therapy businesses, Pleasant Sense Farm and Consciously You, warned the development would be ‘detrimental’.
‘[The therapy businesses] provides children, young people and adults, a location where they can experience a safe and calming environment,’ the owners said.
‘A place to learn self-calming techniques, devise coping mechanisms, establish routines, participate in physical activities and experience the healing benefits of interacting and being surrounded by nature and animals.
‘Introduction of wind turbines in such proximity to our community will have detrimental effects on the physical and mental wellbeing of our clients, visitors, neighbours, schools, therapy animals and neighbouring Monk Monastery.’
Environment and water minister Tanya Plibersek said the development is proof the Labor government was making headway into the transition of renewable energy.
‘I’ve ticked off more than 55 renewable energy projects in two years – more than the Abbott and Turnbull Governments combined and enough to power more than three million Australian homes,’ she said.
But federal member for Barker Tony Pasin said Mr Albanese’s government was ignoring local input.
‘This is a project that has caused significant concerns for the local community, who have campaigned against the proposal,’ he said.
‘It’s disappointing that it’s proceeding, notwithstanding that opposition, and worse still it will generate expensive electricity.
‘Which is doing nothing to address the cost of living crisis we’re all experiencing … putting electricity prices out of reach of everyday, ordinary Australians.’
Daily Mail Australia contacted Ms Plibersek for comment.
