AusWind is Australia's premier wind energy event and sees wind power manufacturers, investors and researchers from across the world gather to discuss the future of the industry. One of the key discussion points was the uptake of wind power in Australia and despite the revelatory announcement, pundits are claiming that with low levels of government support the industry will flounder.
"We are facing real concerns over the next 12 months," said Dominique La Fontaine from the Australian Wind Energy Association.
"We're actually seeing investment drying up here in Australia."
Unlike many nations that offer substantial and secure government concessions to wind power operators, many in the Australian wind industry do not believe the Federal Government has made the implementation of sustainable wind power a significant part of its future energy agenda.
In addition to policy issues, AusWind addressed the issue of turbine bird kill that has been a barrier to the uptake of domestic wind power. Industry figures show two bird deaths per turbine per year, so the conference will be releasing a bird protocol for developers that outline the importance of site selection and planning.
"The bird numbers are very low and certainly the number of cars we drive has a much greater impact on birds than wind turbines do," said La Fontaine.
"But nevertheless we need to take the matter seriously and make sure we have the right information."
