2023-06-06 13:53:08
The Alpine region is not taboo for State Councilor Sepp Schwaiger (ÖVP): “We are not in the comfortable position of being able to choose.”
In the period between 2007 and 2012, Salzburg made the biggest leaps towards becoming less dependent on fossil fuels. Since then, the self-sufficiency rate has stagnated, also because consumption (e-mobility, heat pumps) is constantly increasing.
Provincial Councilor Josef Schwaiger (ÖVP) therefore sees no way around wind energy. In two years he will have the environmental impact assessment for the Windsfeld project in front of the Tauern portal near Flachau. Ten to twelve wind turbines should turn there. Each generates electricity for around 3,500 households and develops its maximum output between October and March – at times when water and photovoltaics work less well.
Eleven priority zones defined for wind turbines
“A total of eleven priority zones have been established in the country. They must now be pursued consistently,” says Schwaiger. In total, the potential is 64 wind turbines, “that’s a huge lever”. The alpine region is not taboo for him: “We are simply no longer in the comfortable position of being able to choose.”
Every ten years, the effort for civil protection doubles, although a lot is happening. Schwaiger says that the energy transition can only be solved in conjunction with the climate transition, and that species and nature conservation must be reconciled with climate protection. Against this background, the new state government has announced that approval procedures will be accelerated if – as in the case of renewable energies – overriding public interests are involved.
Oberpinzgau: Basic agreement also in the Achental
Schwaiger still has a real nut to crack in Oberpinzgau. Specifically, it’s about flood protection in five Tauern valleys – the matter is being dealt with “less emotionally” than the media often reports, says Schwaiger. Even in the Krimmler Achental there is now a basic agreement with the majority of the landowners. “We’re not leaving anyone behind, I’m sure we can do it.”
Quarters for refugees? It only works with communities
Schwaiger is also confident when it comes to finding accommodation for refugees – he will be responsible for this from June 14th. With the former Austria Trend Hotel in Wals and the former Seven Days Hotel in Puch, the contracts for two large hotels (around 600 places) are about to expire.
Rural representatives remain
Schwaiger observes that there is more understanding among the population for those displaced from Ukraine than for asylum seekers. His motto: “We will find solutions, but it is only possible together with the communities.”
In the past legislative period, Schwaiger was always perceived as a representative of rural areas. The ÖVP also lost votes in rural areas, but the losses were smaller. “In any case, I am convinced that my commitment was worth it and I will continue to do so in the future.”
3 sayers of…Landesrat Josef Schwaiger (ÖVP)
“In two years we will have the EIA for the first wind farm.”
about energy self-sufficiency
“Public acceptance of Ukrainians differs from that of asylum seekers.”
about the need to find new asylum quarters
“The election result cannot be sugarcoated, but you could see from the preferential votes that my commitment in the inner mountains was worth it. I will do it that way again.”
about the electoral slip
Energy, agriculture, human resources: Josef Schwaiger hands over the spatial planning. He keeps the staff, agriculture and water, but the energy, the national park and the Antheringer Au are new. Schwaiger is also entrusted with the creation of new asylum quarters.
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