THERE is much stronger public support for wind farms than media coverage of the issue would suggest, because a ''vocal minority'' who oppose wind farms secure the majority of media and political attention, according to CSIRO research.

A peer-reviewed study by Brisbane researchers investigated attitudes to nine wind farms in various stages of development in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia and concluded there was strong support ''from rural residents who do not seek media attention or political engagement to express their views''.

There is much stronger public support for wind farms than media coverage would suggest. Credit:Jason South

By contrast, more than half of all wind farm proposals had been opposed by members of the Landscape Guardian group, the report noted.

CSIRO deputy director (energy technology) Jim Smitham, one of the reviewers of the report, said there was a disconnection between negative and conflict-oriented media coverage about wind farms and the attitude of a majority in the communities where wind farms were proposed or already operating.