Office for Environmental Programs - Theses
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ItemCommunity reactions towards wind farms in Victoria, Australia: a comparative study between an inland and coastal site( 2004)Wind energy is a promising alternative to energy forms that contribute to global and regional environmental problems such as climate change and air pollution. The industry is now the fastest growing energy technology in the world (SEDA, 2002). However wind farm proposals often struggle to gain public acceptance. Commonly held perceptions regarding wind farms were explored in order to provide the background for understanding community reactions. Two operational Victorian wind farms were presented as case studies to identify the key circumstances that influence the local reactions. The Toora wind farm in South Gippsland received mixed local support whilst the Challicum Hills wind farms, in central western Victoria received overwhelming support from the local community. The location of the two wind farms appeared to play a key role in influencing community attitudes, the coastal location attracting greater negative reactions than the inland location. The idea that the communities' reactions were correlated with the values attributed to the landscape was explored, drawing on the link with visual impact as a key negative perception. Understanding and managing negative perceptions regarding visual amenity and considering the values attributed to landscapes by local communities are important in ensuring the success of future wind farm proposals in Victoria.