Jubilant opponents of the wind farm have hailed the decision
as a victory for the "small guys".
Appellant John Douglas said it showed what could happen when
community groups stood up for what they believed in.
"It's also a slap in the face to show companies they have to
respect what's in the district plan and the criteria in the
Resource Management Act."
The Alexandra man attended every day of the environment court
hearing and opposed the wind farm because of the high
scientific and scenic values of the area, which he believed
had been underrated.
"It's been a mission and a-half but now it's all justified.
Basically, it supports the decision we made to appeal it and
the court has listened to the people."
Otago Goldfields Heritage Trust past president Mike Floate,
of Tarras, was "relieved and excited - they made the right
decision". The trust was a party to the appeal and its
concern was that the view from Old Dunstan Rd would be
spoiled by the sight of 176 turbines.
"Now, people will still be able to drive over the road and
it's mostly like it was in the old days, without turbines on
the horizon destroying the experience," Dr Floate said.
The Central Otago Recreational Users Forum was another party
to the appeal and forum secretary, Jan Kelly, of Wanaka,
praised the commission.
"It must've been very hard for the commission. They had an
unenviable task to perform."
The forum had fought for the high value of the landscape to
be recognised and preserved forever.
"Our focus is the Central Otago brand - 'A World of
Difference' - and this is an extremely special place, between
two conservation areas. Having an industrial site there was
always a bad idea."
