February 11, 2021
Australia

Wind farms generate concerns in North West

Cameron Whitely | The Mercury | February 11, 2021 |

A community meeting will be held in the state’s far NorthWest on Thursday night as residents share concerns over two wind farm developments in the region.

The gathering will be hosted by the Circular Head Coastal Action Network, which comprises a range of people including farmers, fishers and other concerned residents.

UPC Renewables obtained development approval in July last year for the Jim’s Plain wind farm which will have up to 31 turbines.

It is seeking approval for another wind farm at Robbins Island, which would see a maximum of 122 turbines.

Third generation Marrawah farmer Stafford Heres said he was worried about the potential for long-term damage from the developments.

“Tourists come to this island for the look of the place, not to look at massive wind farms,’’ he said.

Birdlife Tasmania convener Eric Woehler said he was concerned about the possible impact on Tasmanian birdlife.

UPC Renewables Australia chief operations officer Dave Pollington said tourism groups had not expressed concerns to them about the project.

Mr Pollington said the potential impact on birdlife for the Robbins Island development had been investigated.

He said extensive consultation had been done on the developments, with a range of views both positive, negative and indifferent.

He said reports on the proposal would be available to the community when the development application was made public.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2021/02/11/wind-farms-generate-concerns-in-north-west/