Monday, 20 November 2023
MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall has put the wind up the State Government to urgently explain why its draft wind guideline has been suddenly and quietly changed 180 degrees today, now listing the New England as ‘suitable’ for renewable wind projects.
Mr Marshall said the correction came after he raised questions about it last week, with the guideline originally mapping the New England as ‘less suitable’ for wind projects.
“This is just plain confusing,” Mr Marshall said.
“How can the New England Renewable Energy Zone go from ‘less suitable’ to ‘suitable’ for wind infrastructure within five days?
“I am not sure if someone in the Department of Planning and Infrastructure got the colour-coding wrong on the original map, but it does not provide much confidence.
“It further highlights the miscommunication and dysfunction of the Department and the State Government to manage and control renewable energy projects across our region.”
The backflip came after Mr Marshall pressed the Government last week, asking why the New England was deemed unsuitable for wind projects.
“We have already invested hundreds of millions of dollars to construct new electricity transmission infrastructure,” he said.
“It’s very clear the left hand of Government does not know what the right hand is doing.
“The mixed messaging and the map further erode confidence of developers wanting to step into the industry as well as concerned community members.
“It is critical that we carefully plan a smooth energy transition, developing new renewables in harmony with our local communities.
“I am asking the State Government to ‘please explain’ this blunder.”