Renewables company says turbines will hit Anzac memorial trees

A dozen trees that form part of a World War I memorial are at risk of being damaged by trucks transporting turbines for a proposed wind farm near Oberon, according to Global Power Generation (GPG). The Paling Yards Wind Farm project, which would feature 47 turbines, is currently under review by the Commonwealth and the Independent Planning Commission.

GPG's study found that the trucks would make contact with the trees, between 50 centimetres and 1.25 metres in some cases, but the impact would be limited to leaves and minor branches. However, Kathy Manton from the Community Guardians of the O Connell Anzac Memorial Avenue contends that the damage would be irreversible, as the trees are 100 years old and their limbs are brittle.

Local resident Chris Muldoon, from the Oberon Against Wind Towers group, said the study's findings are damning, as the wind farm would desecrate a significant local Anzac memorial. Despite the risks, the turbines will now take a detour through Dunedoo, Wellington, Orange and Bathurst to avoid concerns raised by the Lithgow City and Mid-Western Regional councils.

The Mid-Western Regional Council had objected to the development due to the level of traffic it would bring through the district, which was deemed unsustainable. The National Environmental Protection Agency is currently seeking submissions on the project before making a final determination by the Independent Planning Commission.