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CAMPAIGNERS gathered in the foyer of Premier Ted Baillieu’s Bendigo office this morning to protest regulation of wind and coal seam gas projects.
About 50 students and Quit Coal campaigners rallied, responding to what they called inappropriate fossil fuel developments in regional Victoria.
Rally participants held wind turbine props and placards with slogans such as ‘Hey Ted, show us ya renewable energies’ and ‘The answer is blowin’ in the wind’.
Campaigner and group spokeswoman Maggie Towers said the Baillieu government had stifled the possibilities for renewable energy in the state.
“The Baillieu government has crippled the wind industry with harsh and unnecessary policies that have cost hundreds of jobs in Victoria,” she said.
“At the same time they have given coal seam gas and coal companies free rein to destroy vast tracts of precious farmland.”
Ms Towers said the taxes imposed on wind turbine projects prevented Victoria from building clean renewable energy infrastructure.
“Anyone can veto a wind farm within 2km of someone’s home, while a mining company can build a coal mine up to 100m from a family’s home without their consent,” she said.
“Renewable energy will bring down the cost of electricity in the long term and provide thousands of clean jobs for Victorians.
“Rural and regional Victorians are suffering while Baillieu has his head in the sand.”
Ms Towers said the office staff had informed the Premier of their presence this morning but they were yet to hear a response.