By Erin Williams

NINETY-FIVE per cent of Daylesford and Hepburn residents would support a local wind farm, a wind energy support group has claimed.

More than 50 local residents discussed the pros and cons of a proposed European-style community-owned wind farm at a meeting last week.

The Hepburn Community Wind Energy Group has been researching the concept for the last six months.

It proposes the installation of up to two turbines, to be owned and controlled by local residents.

Wind group member, Per Bernard, said had been delighted with the response to last week's meeting.

"We were rapt to see so many people at the forum. It shows that the people of Daylesford are very keen on environmental issues," he said.

Mr Bernard said there were no particular sites in mind at this stage.

"I wouldn't suggest any heritage sites. It would most likely be on private land on one of the hills" he said.

Participants were told two wind turbines could support the energy needs of more than 2000 local homes.

In addition, local residents would have first preference to own the turbines.

While this concept is established throughout Europe, it is new to Australia.

"We showed how these projects are very popular throughout Europe. Communities produce their own clean energy as well as receive good returns on their investment," Mr Bernard said.

"These (the European) community wind farms also give money each year to a community fund for local initiatives. We hope to be the first for Australia."

The panel of speakers was not made up exclusively of wind farm supporters.

Christian Wild, who expressed concern about the farms, said wind turbines were industrialising the landscape; impacted on local amenity through visual obstruction, shadow flicker and noise, and posed an unacceptable risk to birds and bats.

Mr Bernard said he was keen to make sure the community considered both sides of the argument.

"That way we can all make an educated decision," he said.

The group plans to formalise their group and expand research into appropriate sites before reporting back to the community.

"There is a lot of work to be done and this initial, very positive, feedback gives us the encouragement to really move forward.

"We will be continually reporting back to the community to consult and seek further feedback with regular information, meetings and workshops."

For more information contact Per Bernard on 0418 133 426 or email

imagine@netconnect.com.au