The Glen Innes announcement has sparked criticism the NSW Government has ignored community concerns.

Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay said two residences would be within 800-900 metres of some of the 26 turbines 12 kilometres from Glen Innes. Another six householders would be affected with their homes at 1.5-2 kilometres from the 130 metre high wind sails. Mr Torbay said he had urged the government to listen to community views.

“(This) decision is unacceptable and flies in the face of Glen Innes Severn and Inverell Council guidelines that turbines should be at least two kilometres from people’s houses,” he said.

“The decision is also premature because it pre-empts the recommendations of the Upper House Committee inquiry into wind farms, which is still in hearings.”

Mr Torbay said people understood wind, solar and other energy alternatives were “necessary and desirable”.

“However, they expect to be consulted and for their views to be considered, particularly when their local councils have made recommendations,” he said.

Tenterfield Mayor Toby Smith said he was concerned local governments had been left without strong enough planning powers to guarantee this could not happen in Tenterfield.

“Council will do everything it can to make sure community consultation occurs, just like we always do,” Councillor Smith said.

Councillor Smith said he had received some concerned calls following the installation of a wind speed mast south of Mt Mackenzie at Bungulla to measure whether it could be a viable location for a wind farm.

Chris Sweatman, managing director of RES Australia - the Australian branch of the United Kingdom-based sustainable energy company carrying out the tests - has said the wind mast was only the first step in a process that would take many years of planning.