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Tests to measure wind farm noise

04 Sep, 2009 12:08 AM
THE University of Ballarat has begun investigating noise levels near Waubra Wind Farm, with residents claiming low frequency turbine sound is affecting their health.

Some say they have experienced headaches, nausea and sleep deprivation since the turbines began operating.

The tests will be done at various locations over the coming month in a bid to find out the exact cause of the noise, where it is coming from and what can be done about it.

University of Ballarat engineering lecturer Graeme Hood said previous monitoring results indicated a high level of infrasound.

"It's like having a truck going past your place constantly, although you can't hear it," Mr Hood said.

"What we've got to do is identify where the sound is coming from."

Three sound monitors will be placed at different locations.

Acciona Energy, which owns Waubra Wind Farm, says it is monitoring post-construction noise to ensure it complies with industry standards.

But Mr Hood said the standards did not take infrasound into account.

He said if the study revealed a problem, the university might do further investigations.

"It needs to be solved and it may only be a simple solution," Mr Hood said.

In a recent report to Pyrenees Shire Council, chief executive officer Steven Cornish said council was aware of residents' concerns.

In a meeting with the Department of Planning and Community Development, council received confirmation Acciona Energy had complied with the noise requirements on its planning permit.

Council also received details on the noise complaint, evaluation and response process approved by Planning Minister Justin Madden, and details on post-construction noise monitoring.

Council has requested assurance from Mr Madden that he will be responsible for administration and enforcement of the wind farm permit.

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Date: Newest first | Oldest first
Joe "no " Helper will lose many votes, probably even his seat as a result of the pain and suffering inflicted by this wind farm he has been backing. Just visit anyone in Waubra and hear the issue No Hoper Helper! Wind energy is on the nose with rural Vic!
Posted by Pete Babcock, 4/09/2009 8:13:09 AM
People don't want turbines at Evansford, Clunes, Lal Lal, Elaine, Mt Mercer, Ballan, Greendale or Leonards Hill. They have had enough of the Labor parties rubbish with these things. It's anyone wonder Steve Buckle and Andrew Newbold were tossed out of Smeaton with their ill-fated Tuki turbines. Toss turbines, go solar and geothermal, which don't destroy communities.
Posted by Fred, 4/09/2009 8:16:11 AM
I have seen decibel readings over 80db around the Waubra Wind Farm. Infrasound is produced by many different things, but studies have found that fans are a major culprit. It makes sense that giant fans could be producing infrasound. Wind turbines are a known producer of infrasound and there are hundreds of cases of people having the above symptoms when they are located inappropriately. Infrasound travels much further than audiable sound. The government really must regulate this industry now.
Posted by rich, 4/09/2009 8:46:44 AM
Like having a truck going past your place constantly but you can't hear it? The silence must be deafening! I wonder if the mystery illnesses are confined to the people without wind turbines on their properties?
Posted by Arno, 4/09/2009 9:39:53 AM
Brumby and Bracks have conned the Victorian public big time on wind farms. They produce next to no power, negatively impact on surrounding landholders and I predict will be torn down within 20 years. They might look impressive in government propaganda material and help win the green vote but the public will wake up to this soon enough.
Posted by Alan, 4/09/2009 10:10:17 AM
Arno, you really need to do some research. A: on the number of people with and without turbines on their land suffering and B: on the effects of low frequency noise and infrasound on human health. It's very easy to Google many documents that show the symptoms. It's easy to understand why people do not want these built close to their homes. Living in Ballarat I will never have this problem imposed on me, but I feel for others that have this scam pushed on them by city developers and the corrupt State Government who backs them.
Posted by mick, 4/09/2009 10:48:51 AM
I wonder why measurements for infrasound are not included in the planning guidelines for windfarms? If low frequency noise/infrasound is not a problem like the wind companies claim, then they should not object to regulations being put in place to limit the amount of this noise being created. Communities are sick of these proposals popping up around them and not being afforded proper protection from those in power.
Posted by andy, 4/09/2009 10:56:54 AM
The earth is flat and wind turbines make everybody sick.
Posted by Arno, 4/09/2009 11:05:23 AM
Arno, you're going to have your opinion taken seriously! I thought it was only the climate change brigade who started saying the earth is flat?
Posted by billy, 4/09/2009 12:02:23 PM
Mick, I've done my research - not selective research either - and guess what chicken little? The sky isn't falling! One thing I didn't realise is, according to Alan, that wind turbines produce next to no power. So these wind energy companies are spending milions of dollars constructing wind farms, employing hundreds of people along the way and injecting thousands of dollars into local communities all for no return? Yes well that would make sense, how noble and benevolent of them! Here's a theory - maybe the turbines are incubators for alien embryos which are set to hatch and take over the world by sending us mad by humming dulcet tones that nobody can hear? Be afraid!
Posted by Arno, 4/09/2009 12:12:30 PM
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Waubra Wind Farm. Picture: Jeremy Bannister
Waubra Wind Farm. Picture: Jeremy Bannister

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