With mayors

The spectre of wind power: initiatives plan demo

This picture of the wind farm on the Soboth is probably causing sleepless nights for Carinthia's wind power opponents.

(Bild: Kelag)

At an information event in Feldkirchen, citizens' initiatives and mayors who are committed to the fight against wind power wanted to raise awareness of projects in the Nockberge mountains. Because they did not get a place, they are now planning a demonstration.

The wind power opponents had originally planned to hold their event on Saturday, May 11, between 9.30 and 11.00 a.m. at Rauterplatz in Feldkirchen. However, the town canceled this because the "book table" is already taking place there.

Demonstration instead of information event
"We suggested that we move to Schillerplatz-NIMO, but this was not approved either," explains Christa Hintermann, spokesperson for the citizens' movement "Carinthian mountains without wind turbines". "For this reason, we are organizing a demonstration event on Saturday under the motto: 'Informing not desired - demonstrating is always possible' in Feldkirchen."

Since the protests against a wind farm project near Gnesau in front of the Carinthian state government last spring, the wind power opponents have also been able to win over several mayors and politicians from the Nock region as supporters. And across party lines - several mayors want to take part in the planned demonstration.

Protecting the landscape as an argument
"Wind turbines don't fit in with the biosphere reserve!" emphasizes Karl Lessiak, SPÖ mayor of Reichenau. "For me, the protection of our special natural area, our idyllic landscape and, above all, the protection of people's health are paramount." Wilfried Mödritscher, head of the ÖVP municipality of Albeck, has a similar view: "Building wind turbines on the Nockberge would mean that this landscape, which is largely characterized by alpine farming, would lose its identity and become less attractive for guests and visitors."

Side by side with wind power opponents
The FPÖ, which is generally committed to the fight against wind power, was there from the start. This is also emphasized by the mayor of Deutsch-Griffen, Michael Reiner: "The FPÖ Carinthia has a clear stance against wind turbines in the Nockberge mountains and throughout Carinthia." He warns against hundreds more wind turbines. "Together with the four citizens' initiatives, the FPÖ stands up for the preservation of our alpine pastures, our homeland and gentle tourism in Carinthia," explains Dietmar Rauter, Mayor of St. Urban. "It is an affront to the ruling politicians that over 13,000 signatures of citizens, which the Freedom Party and citizens' initiatives have collected against wind turbines, are being ignored."