“OSMI and HVP are planning to place 35 x 250m high wind turbines in a region devastated by fires in 2009. A simple Google search will reveal the small village of Delburn is now known for two reasons – the catastrophic Delburn Complex Fires of 2009 and the proposed Delburn Wind Farm. In the 2009 fires, 44 homes were lost, many animals died and some people have never recovered. The area burnt out by the Delburn Complex Fires overlaps 21 of the 35 wind turbines. See the resources below for more information and maps.
Aerial support was critical in combatting the fires. This is acknowledged in the Royal Commission into the Delburn Fires. Imagine trying to fight this fire in a helicopter when you have one, two or 35 turbines that are 250m tall to navigate around. Water bombing in 2009 saved homes. Adding 35 x 250m high obstructions into an already vulnerable region means the ability for pilots to safely protect our community may be severely compromised. Wind turbines and Met towers have been identified as hazards to aerial firefighting.
Wind turbines and Met towers have been identified as hazards to aerial firefighting.