About 15 members of the public dropped into the Clinton Community Centre during the first hour of a four-hour meet and greet hosted by project leaders Pioneer Energy and Manawa Energy.
The partners are proposing to build a $900 million wind farm on a range of hills in Kaihiku, paralleling State Highway 1, as the highway runs from Balclutha to beyond Clinton.
The power companies made the announcement last week, and said the farm could have 73 turbines of up to 215m height, collectively producing 300MW of energy — enough for 135,000 households — making it one of the country’s largest.
Talking to the Otago Daily Times yesterday, some residents said locals appeared to be "polarised" regarding the proposal, although those present were broadly positive, while harbouring some reservations.
Puerua Valley residents Roy and Jan Johnstone, who would be able to see some of the turbines from their property boundary said, in general, wind farms were "fine".
"I’m sure this one will be fine too, although the size and scale of the infrastructure is significant," Mrs Johnstone said.
"We’d want to be sure they weren’t interfering with wildlife such as bats, and that any construction and concreting was conducted carefully.
"But it’s better than burning coal."
A Waitepeka resident, who did not wish to be named, said the turbines would be "highly visible" from their rural property.
"They’ll be right behind us, but I’m not opposed.
"I think I’m just here today to separate fact from fiction regarding their long-term environmental impact, and to learn whatever I can.
"Although it might look like ‘just some hills’ to those driving past, it’s an important and very visible range for the people of South Otago."
Pioneer Energy chief executive Fraser Jonker said the meeting was a chance to "keep stakeholders engaged and informed".
"This is still at the proposal stage, and what’s great about the resource consent process is that everyone gets to have their say.
"This could be one of the better wind farms in the country and, if we want to decarbonise New Zealand, this is a great way to be a part of that.
"This location has many benefits, including consistent winds, good elevation, nearby transmission infrastructure and proximity to State Highway 1 and connected ports.
"All we can do is be open and honest, and the community will let us know what they want."
If approved, the project could take up to four years to complete.
