Wind tower sparks lightning strike fears
Wind tower sparks lightning strike fears
17 March 2010
published by www.abc.net.au
Australia — A central Victorian residents’ group will appeal against a decision to re-erect an 80 metre wind tower at Baynton East, north of Kyneton, due to bushfire concerns.
The tower had been measuring wind speeds for more than three years but was taken down when its permit expired.
Last week, the Macedon Ranges Council approved the tower’s operation for another five years, but the residents’ group is concerned it will attract lightning strikes and could start fires.
Spokesman Peter Russell-Clarke says the group will appeal against the decision in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
“We’re unhappy with the way the meeting was conducted and maybe the council will consider reconvening the meeting but if it doesn’t [reconvene] we’ll go straight to VCAT,” he said.
