MEDIA RELEASE - 23 May 2024

Published on 23 May 2024

Forestry Corporation Wind Towers

Today the Forestry Corporation has announced that they have issued forest permits to investigate wind farms in the four areas where NSW State Government Legislation permits wind towers in State Forests. These are Oberon, Orange, Sunny Corner and Bondo. Within the Oberon Local Government Area, the defined locations for the Investigation Permit are within the Gurnang, Mt David and Southern Vulcan State Forests.

This is the first step that begins to define the challenge ahead of us and move the arguments, for and against, from speculation and hypothesising to what is actually being proposed and where. This allows the definition of risks and benefits and gain some insight into what the effects and benefits may be.

From our perspective in Oberon, it means the next steps are understood and it gives the proponents the opportunity to undertake comprehensive community consultation. The Minister has been very clear that consultation should be meaningful, timely, relevant, easy to access and open and inclusive.

The guidelines also states that proponents are expected to adhere to these guidelines. It is our expectation that the proponent will engage with the community and consult in accordance with the Ministers requirements.

To view the Forestry Corporation statement, please visit: Forestry Corporation - Forestry awards Investigation Permits for renewable energy opportunities

To view the information provided regarding State Forests in the Black Springs area, please visit: The Pines Wind Farm

Mark Kellam

Mayor