Council Approves St Patricks Plains Wind Farm:
The Central Highlands Council has given the green light to Ark Energy's St Patricks Plains Wind Farm, which will feature 47 turbines and generate up to 300MW of power. This approval follows a thorough assessment by the Environment Protection Authority Tasmania (EPA) and the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999 (EPBC Act). The EPA concluded that the project can be managed in an environmentally acceptable manner. Donna Bolton, Ark Energy’s General Manager Development for Tasmania, expressed her satisfaction with the council's decision, highlighting the project's significance for the local area and the state.
Project Details and Community Benefits:
The St Patricks Plains Wind Farm, in development since 2019, has undergone several design changes to reduce environmental and visual impacts and address community concerns. The project aims to harness Tasmania’s world-leading wind resources, contributing to the state's renewable energy targets while providing numerous benefits to the local community. Bolton emphasized that the wind farm will bring new renewable electricity generation, local job opportunities, and economic benefits. To date, 40 Tasmanian-based companies and 50 local property owners have shown interest in supporting the project during construction.
Environmental Considerations and Future Steps:
Ark Energy has focused on minimizing the environmental impact, particularly on the Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle. The company plans to use the latest technology, including the Identiflight curtailment system, to reduce collision risks. With the council's approval and conditions issued, Ark Energy now awaits a final decision under the EPBC Act from the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW). Tasmanian Minister for Energy and Renewables, Nick Duigan, praised the project's progress and its contribution to doubling the state's renewable energy production by 2040.
Benefits for the Community and Environment:
The St Patricks Plains Wind Farm promises significant benefits for the local community and the environment. The project will create job opportunities, boost the local economy, and help Tasmania achieve its renewable energy targets. By engaging with local stakeholders and minimizing environmental impacts, Ark Energy aims to be a good neighbor and a positive force in the region's transition to renewable energy. The wind farm's development also aligns with Tasmania's broader goals of supporting a growing economy and expanding new industries with clean energy solutions.
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