TWO-YEAR MORATORIUM FOR CENTRAL WEST WIND FARMS AND PUT COMMUNITIES FIRST

The Nationals Candidate for Calare Sam Farraway has committed to moving a motion in Federal Parliament that would introduce a two-year moratorium on industrial-scale wind farms in the Central West if elected—making it a top priority in his first term.

Mr Farraway said he’ll always put the community first.

“This isn’t about politics or posturing. It’s about people,” Mr Farraway said.

“Our communities are hurting—farmers, small businesses mums, grandparents and families who’ve called these towns home for generations are being pushed aside.

“There are more than 500 wind turbines in the pipeline for Calare—cutting through Dark Corner, Sunny Corner, Portland, Yetholme, Oberon, Mount Canobolas and Kerrs Creek. Local people feel powerless. It’s time to change that.”

“There are some in the city who just don’t get what life’s like out here. They don’t see the toll these developments are taking—the division, the anxiety, the feeling of being ignored.

“Last month, more than 400 residents packed out the Oberon RSL club for a community town meeting because they’re desperate to be heard. They’re worried about what this is doing to their kids, their farms and their future.

“I’ll be putting forward this moratorium because I’ve listened. And unlike others, I won’t turn my back on the people of Calare. This region is my home—and I’ll always fight to protect it.”

Mr Farraway said all candidates need to front up and be honest with voters about their energy plans—saying the time for fence sitting and greenwashing is over.

“Under a Coalition Government, we’ve put our energy plan on the table. It’s balanced, it’s responsible and it’s about keeping the lights on without destroying the landscape,” Mr Farraway said.

“The Coalition’s plan includes zero-emission nuclear energy—delivering the reliable baseload power Australia needs without covering regional communities in wind turbines “as far as the eye can see. It also includes gas and, importantly, future jobs for our region.

“We’re not putting all our eggs in one basket. A 100% renewables-only plan won’t work—it’ll push up power prices, damage our economy. The rest of the world is moving toward nuclear. If we don’t get on board, we’ll be left behind.”

The proposed two-year moratorium will:

1.    Recognise the concerns of regional and rural communities by noting the impacts of wind farm projects on agricultural land, Indigenous land, National and Marine Parks, and protected environmental areas.

2.    Impose a two-year moratorium on the approval and construction of new wind farm projects in the Central West of NSW; and

3.    The establishment of a Parliamentary select committee inquiry into the economic, social and environmental impacts of wind farm developments, including:

·      Property devaluation, noise pollution and well-being of residents;

·      Fire safety and emergency management risks;

·      Loss of amenity and environmental suitability;

·      Impacts on regional communities;

·   Power imbalances between Traditional Owners, landholders, farmers, fishers, the Government and energy companies;

·      Best practice approaches for responsible and sustainable wind farm development.

·      Any other related matters.