June 18, 2018
Australia

Wind farm threat to iconic Aussie bird

Rebecca McDonald | bay 93.9 Geelong | 18 June 2018 | www.bay939.com.au

A well-known species of Australian bird could stand in the way of a massive wind farm planned for a site near Geelong.

WestWind Energy is proposing to build a 228-wind turbine facility on land at Rokewood, about 60km north-west of Geelong.

The company estimates 25 brolgas could be lost over the 25-year life of the wind farm, and is planning to restore three wetlands used by the birds near the farm.

However it is not saying how much it will spend to make sure the birds are not harmed by the turbines.

Victoria’s Brolga Recovery Group has told the Herald Sun it’s concerned the plan will be pushed through by a pro-business state government.

Submissions to a state government review close today, with a directions hearing to be held next month at Bannockburn.

A public hearing will be held later in July.

Brolgas, also known as Australian Cranes, are large grey birds with distinctive featherless red heads and grey crowns.

They are particularly well known for their elaborate courtship display that involves wing-flapping, leaping and trumpeting.

They stand one metre tall and have a wingspan of more than twice their height.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2018/06/18/wind-farm-threat-to-iconic-aussie-bird/