Bass Coast Shire has promised to revise its policy on domestic wind turbines, following months of lobbying from Surf Beach residents to stop a proposed 10.5 metre turbine being built in their neighbourhood.

The first meeting of newly-elected councillors last week saw three Surf Beach residents again grill the shire in public question time on how it will stop the yet-to-be-built turbine.

Resident Ray Carson asked, in a written statement, how the shire will stop future domestic turbines, a question reiterated by other residents demanding to know “what will council do to stop the wind turbine from going ahead and any future turbines in residential backyards?”

Planning manager James Stirton responded the shire was set to review its Local Law.

“Our new Local Law is planned to include how council manages domestic wind turbines. This work is due to be completed in the 2021/2022 financial year,” Mr Stirton said.

“Council acknowledges that a wind turbine is not a good outcome in a residential setting. Council has sought legal advice available to us through current planning and building legislation, and our own Local Law, to cease the construction of the turbine.”

Enforcement

The move is the first positive indication the shire can act on the issue, after months of frustration by residents who say they support renewable energy, but not on the scale of the proposed turbine so close to homes.

In October residents received a question and answer information sheet from the planning department stating planners had exhausted all avenues of action to stop the turbine’s erection.

“Council has no power available to it to address the proposed issues associated with the installation of the structure,” the Q&A sheet states.

“The only authority that can intervene to support and address the community’s concerns is the State Government through an amendment to the Victorian Planning Provisions.

“To date, the State Government has declined to amend the Planning Provisions which would provide the mechanism for council to manage the approval and enforcement process.

“Until council is provided with further advice from the State Government, another agency, or information contrary to all advice received to date, we are unable to action this matter further.”

Mr Stirton at the November council meeting said the shire had received a response from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning stating a change to the planning scheme in the instance of Surf Beach was “not supported”.

“Any amendment to the planning scheme would involve a process that would take up to two years and will require a budget allocation from council,” Mr Stirton said.

He added the shire was prepared to enforce any planning breaches should the turbine be built.

“If this wind turbine were to be constructed and is found to contravene any planning, building or public health or nuisance requirements, then council would undertake appropriate enforcement on this matter.”

Owner

Surf Beach residents are holding their breath in a “waiting game”, following their bid to stop the erection of a residential wind turbine.

Last month the Advertiser spoke to the owner of the turbine Rob McKittrick who said he had no comment when asked whether he planned to pause work or progress the erection of the turbine, which he said measured 10.5 metres, under the height requirement triggering a planning permit.

The information sheet states Mr McKittrick had provided details to the shire on the dimensions, designs, specifications and tolerances of the wind turbine, which was being independently reviewed and assessed.

“This documentation (whilst commercial in confidence) has been provided by the landowner in good faith,” the Q&A states.