But the development is interesting in the age of failing networks with catastrophic results for Portland and South Australia. Simultaneously the power industry’s moves away from coal-fired power production, evidenced by private industries abandonment of Hazlewood, indicates commercial investment is making a major shift across the state. While the aesthetics of these colossal towers will always divide people, particulalrly on adjoining properties, it is interesting to note the Government has not registered a single objection to the giant Murra Warra wind farm.

The considerable financial benefits for landholders to host the towers, the revenue increase for local shires both critical in drought stricken areas and in declining shires are both persuasive factors. The jobs are another even if the ongoing roles are fraction of the construction jobs.

These positives are unlikely to resonate with those strongly opposed to other major projects such as Stockyard Hill and Lal Lal. But for those who have not entered the wildly polarised world of opinions on wind farms what is probably likely to be of far more concern is how this will affect electricity costs. Cheap coal fired power and its low prices are declining in the challenge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but even here there are hopeful solutions.

CSIRO and Energy Networks Australia have argued harnessing the power of more households producing their own electricity through solar or even private wind generation could save $414 per year for residents over decades to come. Along with pricing reform and increased demand (through higher uptake in electric car use, for instance) would also drive prices down.  Along with better battery storage and even more innovation in alternative energy technology, these changes could transform Victoria from its current troubled transition to a cleaner and more efficient power state.