Another wind farm proposal has materialised, this time near Stormsvlei on the R317 road to Bonnievale. It can be seen that all the turbines and infrastructure, including some 20 Km of internal roads are to be placed on ridges in threatened renosterveld at the Eastern extremity of the Riviersonderend Mountains. There will be an enormous loss of natural vegetation with associated disturbance and displacement of birds and other wildlife. Mortality of birds and bats from collision with turbines and associated barotrauma can be anticipated. This industrialisation of the landscape will detract from tourism and may well result in a net loss of local employment. The Draft Scoping Report has been published for comment before 30 September.
If anyone reading this has the slightest interest in the conservation of this environment please register as an Interested and Affected Party at
Thomas King at CESNET. The full DSR can be viewed or downloaded at
Brakkefontein. Please submit your comments... Thank you.
