How many wind turbines are being proposed?
The proposal is for two turbines.

Will there be more in the future?
No. Due to the separation required between turbines and the constraints of the existing power lines, the site can only accommodate two turbines.

How high are the turbines proposed?
The planning application must state the maximum size of the turbines and blades. A final decision has not been taken but it is likely the application will be for towers less than 70 metres high with a total height of tower and blade of less than 110 metres.

How far underground do the concrete foundations go?
The type of foundations vary according to different turbine types and the ground conditions. The Geotechnical Report anticipates the foundations will be mass pad footings about 2.5 metres deep and 12 - 15 metres in diameter without the need for rock anchors.

Do turbines kill birds?
Experience in Australia and internationally shows that the risk to birds from modern wind turbines is not significant. People on the bus tour to Challicum Hills enjoyed watching a wedge tailed eagle hover in front of one of the turbines before flying off. Nevertheless, the risk to all fauna must be carefully assessed as part of the planning process and included in the planning application.

What is shadow flicker?
Shadow flicker is the shadow caused by the wind turbine blade passing in front of the sun. The area affected by these shadows varies according to the time of day, the time of year and, of course whether the sun is out. Any potential effects must be carefully assessed as part of the planning application.

How noisy are wind turbines?
Modern wind turbines are amzingly quiet. People who actually visit modern wind turbines are invariably surprised to find the noise is so low as to be not significant. People on the bus tour to Challicum Hills probably heard the farmer who lives 400 metres from the nearest turbine say that the turbines never bother him. He said that if he tries, he could hear a slight sound at most once a month but has never heard anything from within his house.
Victorian planning policy, turbines must be far enough away from residents to ensure any noise is below the limits set. The Victorian Policy states that the noise limit is 40dBA or 5dBA above background noise levels, whichever is the higher. The Wind Park must comply with these standards. In a rural environment, even without wind turbines, ambient noise levels can vary from 20dBA (very quiet) when there is no wind noise, up to 60dBA when it is windy. When wind speeds are less than about 3.5m/s turbines do not turn and therefore do not produce noise. As wind speed rises, people are surprised to find that normal wind noise in vegetation and building structures can be significant (up to 60dBA). Usuually, the noise from wind turbines is completely masked by the wind noise in the environment.