This wind is blowing cold

This development is going to be interesting to follow: as the ABC notes extra responsibilities may mean either an even more patchwork approach than currently, or Councils unable to respond to the increased demands...

Planning Minister Matthew Guy has amended wind farm planning guidelines.

The amendment requires new wind farm planning applications to identify homes within two kilometres of turbines. It also includes new noise guidelines and makes local government the responsible planning authority for wind farms of all sizes.

Mr Guy says local councils will be offered assistance. "The Government has developed a working group within the department of planning and community development, to work with councils and with the MAV on wind farm issues," he said.

Rob Spence from the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) says local councils will need significantly more resources to deal with wind farm applications. "Our concern is the capacity of the councils to deal with this issue, given the technical skill and sort of financial requirements that the councils going to need to do an appropriate assessment."