That was the statement of one concerned Kurow resident after attending a community information session yesterday held by the backers of a proposed 19-turbine wind farm on Kurow Hill/Te Kohurau.
About 100 Kurow locals turned out for drop-in sessions conducted by Aquila Clean Energy.
Aquila has the co-operation of two private landowners to use 1800ha of hill country for a 130 megawatt wind farm consisting of 19 turbines of 200m — at maximum tip height — and a maximum rotor diameter of 178m.
Aquila Clean Energy community engagement manager Lucy Sinclair said residents were asked about their concerns and Aquila was committed to providing ongoing information.
"I would say the comments and feedback today has been about 50-50 [for and against]," she said.
"There definitely has been concern — probably visual and noise have been the two main things."
The Kurow Hill/Te Kohurau development was a first for Aquila in New Zealand.
It has has three solar farms in the pipeline in the Far North and the Bay of Plenty.
Ms Sinclair said the Kurow site came up about nine months ago when an earlier wind farm developer withdrew.
The site had obvious strategic value given its proximity to the national grid.
Kurow area residents outside the hall said they were yet to be convinced.
One Waitaki Valley landowner said the area had done much to provide electricity, "but not so close to the township".
Another said they had nothing against wind farms "but not right above the town".
Others raised health fears from the proximity of strobing turbines.
Another pointed out the inconsistency of not being allowed consent to plant trees or build on the adjoining landscape.
When asked the project value, Ms Sinclair said it was "commercially sensitive".
A resource consent application by late 2025 was anticipated after more wind and site data was gathered.
