Keep conversations about renewable energy fact-based and respectful

Attributable to a spokesperson for the Sunny Corner Wind Farm project team:

Last week, a local politician running for Federal office shared misinformation about renewable energy in the region, including about the proposed Sunny Corner Wind Farm.

A prominent public figure knowingly sharing incorrect information with the intention of stoking tension is disappointing and needs to be called out when it occurs.

Conversations about proposed developments, as with other issues important to the community, should be respectful and fact-based.

Since being awarded an investigation permit in May 2024, the Sunny Corner Wind Farm team has sought to engage deeply with the community, while doing so transparently, professionally, politely and honestly.

We’ve spoken with nearly 700 locals, over 130 community organisations, hosted five Community Information Hubs, and recently arranged nearly 50 one-on-one appointments with neighbours to the proposed project. We’ve also launched a newsletter, a Community Benefits Survey, fact sheets and Q&As and conducted regular interviews with local media.

We recognise there is always more to do, so we have just launched a Facebook page for the Sunny Corner Wind Farm, to provide another way for locals to access information and stay up to date.

We are currently arranging meetings with nearest neighbours to the proposed wind farm, including using iPad-based augmented reality software, to help people visualise how the preliminary turbine layout may appear from their properties.

We are also meeting to discuss the Neighbour Benefits Program, which is being designed in consultation with local residents over the coming months.

No contracts have been issued to any community member at this time.

These conversations are about sharing transparent information and ensuring neighbours have the opportunity to maximise the potential financial and other community benefits that could be created by the proposed wind farm.

We encourage anyone living near Sunny Corner State Forest to get in touch, if you haven’t already connected with us. If anyone in the community has any questions about the proposed Sunny Corner Wind Farm or would like to meet with us, they can contact us at any time.

At the heart of this opportunity is the community, and we look forward to continuing our open and frank conversations and learning from the community. By working together, we can shape a project that brings long-term benefits to the region and its residents for decades to come.