WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT

The Hon. M. PARNELL (14:51): What role can the minister play, as Minister for Regional Development, in helping to reconcile regional communities in relation to the often divisive topic of wind farms?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Public Sector Management, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for Gambling) (14:51): It is encouraging people to engage. It is not just my responsibility as Minister for Regional Development: each and every member of the government is out there, continually, providing information to people and encouraging citizens to engage.

These are never straightforward matters. There is some level of controversy around wind turbines. However, it is critical to this planet—and as a member of the Greens I am sure that the honourable member will agree—that we develop and invest in alternative sources of energy. We would have our head in the sand if we were to say that the alternatives are not going to create challenges for us in some way, shape or form. Life is never that easy.

So, irrespective of future developments, even geothermal and solar, there are issues which the government and other appropriate regulatory bodies and agencies have to deal with. The work is fairly new. We are evolving and developing as we roll these things out. We are learning as we roll out these schemes and continue to develop. As I have said, we would have our head in the sand if we believed that there were not issues and challenges with any energy resource that we might want to develop.

Wind is providing a very important alternative source. The courts have determined an issue of concern. We will work with that. What I encourage everyone to do, not just those who have issues of concern but also those who are supportive of these developments, is to engage in the public processes and forums that are available to them.