Greens want better wind farm effects study
There is no consistent evidence to support claims wind farms cause adverse health effects, the nation's premier medical research body has determined.
But, in a move that has angered the Greens, the National Health and Medical Research Council has recommended the need for higher quality research into the issue.
"Will it also be recommending spending precious taxpayer dollars on research into chemtrails and alien abductions?" Greens health spokesman Richard Di Natale said on Wednesday.
The council has concluded there is no direct evidence that exposure to noise from wind farms affects physical or mental health.
However, there was consistent, but poor quality direct evidence, that noise was associated with annoyance and even less linking it to sleep disturbance.
But given the concerns expressed by those living nearby and limited reliable evidence, the council considered further, higher quality, research was warranted on the effects within 1500 metres of turbines.
The government said it supported the decision to commission more investigation.
The Clean Energy Council said the report's findings were no surprise, but described as weak evidence to support potential health effects within 1500 metres.
A parliamentary inquiry, sparked by a cohort of senators including independents Nick Xenophon and John Madigan, is investigating the effects of wind turbines.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
Most viewed in Australia
Family-run IGA calls out Woolworths after workers scope out their grocer
Footage reveals moment person of interest in Jessica Zrinski’s death found living inside a cave
Ally Langdon breaks down as she opens up about death of best friend Gavin Larkin
WA teen forced to sleep on emergency room floor in excruciating pain for 14 hours