AGITATION is building for renewable energy companies to hold public meetings in Loddon communities.
Reaction to letters received by neighbours to European Energy’s proposed wind and solar farm at Mincha and plans for up to 140 turbines at nearby Macorna has been critical of companies not keeping residents in the districts informed.
European Energy and Atmos Renewables, the company behind the Macorna project, have sent letters out in the past fortnight.
Pyramid Hill’s Kel Stewart has been among critics, saying the community was being kept in the dark.
They have called for the companies to hold communty meetings. Atmos’ head of development Kate Munro said: “Letters have been sent to nearby neighbours with broader engagement planned in the coming weeks. 
“We have had initial engagement with Loddon Shire with more planned in the coming weeks.
“This week we have a stall at the Kerang Show and a neighbour drop-in session. Further engagement is planned for the coming months.”
She said wind monitoring at the site is ongoing “with a mobile LiDAR and Sodar unit on-site monitoring wind and weather conditions at different heights above the ground”.
European Energy said: “Mincha is still in the very early stages of development, so once we’ve had a chance to talk to neighbours and some other local stakeholders, we’ll have more detail to release.”
The company says it is still to lock in dates for community engagement.
Loddon Shire CEO Lincoln Fitzgerald said Atmos had provided council with a broad overview of its proposal and requested to brief the councillors.
However, Mr Fitzgerald said European Energy has not provided a briefing on its Mincha plans.
Mr Fitzgerald said Potentia had contacted council to provide a briefing on its plans for a solar farm at Mologa.
Potentia is conducting community drop-in sessions this week.