South Gippsland Shire is demanding that landowners wanting to subdivide tell likely buyers of the "detrimental" effect of the Bald Hills Wind Farm. Some landowners believe the requirement opens the door for them to seek compensation for lowered land values. ...Councilor David Lewis said the ruling was designed to avoid legal battles. "People buying into this area can't say they didn't know," Cr Lewis said. "The intention is to protect ratepayers from legal confrontations with large companies over noise issues." Cr Lewis has since spoken to residents who "raised good issues" and conceded the condition may have created more headaches than it solved. A valuer told Mr. Fairbrother in 2004 that the wind farm devalued his property by more than $350,000.

South Gippsland Shire is demanding that landowners wanting to subdivide tell likely buyers of the "detrimental" effect of the Bald Hills Wind Farm.

Some landowners believe the requirement opens the door for them to seek compensation for lowered land values.

The first landowner to be hit by the requirement is Noel Uren.

Mr. Uren, who did not wish to comment, must tell those inquiring about his subdivision about the detrimental effects of wind turbine noise, blade flicker, and blade glint.

The council's condition is believed to be the first legal requirement of its kind.

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