Wind farm developments are likely to be kept away from populated areas in South Australia under new rules tipped to unlock more investment in the renewable energy sector.
The state government has announced a renewable energy plan which also bans the establishment of any new coal-fired power stations.
Tabling the plan in state parliament on Wednesday, Premier Mike Rann said with South Australia having more than half of Australia’s wind farm investment, the state had a national responsibility to take the lead on policies that protected the interests of both the industry and local communities.
Under the plan, no wind turbines will be allowed within one kilometre of any home, unless both the home owner and the developer agree to a shorter distance.
Local councils will also become the key authority for assessing planning applications for new wind farms.
“These policies and the processes for implementing them will skew investment away from populated areas, while giving greater certainty and consistency to wind farm investors,” Urban Development Minister John Rau said.
So far about $2.8 billion has been invested in wind power in South Australia, creating more than 3000 direct and indirect jobs.
Wind power now accounts for 21 per cent of all electricity generated across the state, compared to just one per cent in 2004.
Premier Rann said it was estimated $1.8 million in further wind farm investment was on hold, waiting for the release of the government’s revised renewable energy guidelines.
