October 12, 2015
Australia

Mount Emerald Wind Farm in far north Queensland faces federal environmental assessment delay

By Kirsty Nancarrow | ABC News | October 12, 2015 | www.abc.net.au

The developers behind Queensland’s largest wind farm say there has been another setback.

The Mount Emerald Wind Farm in far north Queensland gained State Government approval earlier this year.

Anil Nangia from RATCH Australia said the company was expecting federal approval by now but the Environment Department has now asked until December to consider the project.

The department has asked for more time to consider additional information it sought about plants and animals on the Tablelands’ site.

“It is extremely frustrating,” Mr Nangia said.

“We’re geared up and ready to start construction and try to increase employment in the region and develop the project, so this further delay is frustrating but we’re confident we’ve achieved all the highest environmental standards and the project will be approved at some stage.

“We’re more confident that the policies and procedures that are now in place to support renewable energy will be supported by both sides of politics, so yes, we’re confident there’s a long-term future for renewable energy.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2015/10/12/mount-emerald-wind-farm-in-far-north-queensland-faces-federal-environmental-assessment-delay/