Australian’s former Greens leader has shocked many over his protests against a wind farm project and the threat the massive windmills pose to birdlife.
Bob Brown has defended his fight against a proposed wind farm in northern Tasmania, saying the project goes too far, comparing it to the Franklin Dam.
The former Greens leader has shocked many over his protests against a wind farm project on Robbins Island over its visual impacts and the threat the massive windmills pose to birdlife.
Dr Brown told The Australian today that the wind farm has social and economic consequences which have to be debated, and that he fears the profits of the farm will not flow to Tasmanians.
“I’m a big supporter of renewable energy and energy efficiency but this massive wind-farm goes too far,” he said.
“It’s comparable to the Franklin Dam for hydro-energy … you have to look to the environmental, economic and social consequences of this wind farm.
“The wind towers are taller than any building in Tasmania.
“And we’re one of the poorest states. I’m concerned the profits of this project will not go to Tasmanians, but to the multinational building it.”
Dr Brown was a leader in the environmental movement of the 1980s which ultimately stopped the Franklin Dam, and it helped spark his political career and the rise of the Greens.