Wind farm at Bullecourt axed

In the fields surrounding the French village of Bullecourt some 2300 Australian soldiers still lie with no known graves.

FILE PHOTO: By Sergeant Troy Rodgers

So, plans to erect a commercial wind farm on the sight of the the 1917 Battle of Bullecourt met with stiff resistance and howls of outrage.

But, now comes news that the wind farm has been scrapped – or at least moved.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan said the announcement that a project to build wind farms at the site of the Battle of Bullecourt would not proceed was a great reminder that Australians will never forget.

“This is wonderful news for every Australian and especially those with a family connection to the Battle of Bullecourt,” Mr Tehan said.

“Some 2300 Australians who died at Bullecourt have no known grave and Australians were rightly concerned about the potential impact of a construction project at the site.

“ENGIE Group has listened to the concerns of the Australian people and they have acted with empathy by cancelling this project.

“I would like to thank the ENGIE Group, who listened to our concerns, for the respect they have shown for the sacrifice made by Australian soldiers on French soil one hundred years ago and the French government, who made representations on behalf of Australia.

“Seeing how passionate Australians were about protecting the final resting place of the Bullecourt soldiers was a powerful reminder that we will never forget the service and sacrifice of the men and women who fight for our freedom and values.”

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