Ark Energy has secured a crucial planning approval from Tasmania’s Central Highlands Council for its proposed St. Patricks Plains Wind Farm project.
The development, set to be located in the state’s Central Highlands region, is poised to play a pivotal role in Tasmania’s renewable energy goals.
Project Approval and Regional Significance
Donna Bolton, Ark Energy’s General Manager of Development for Tasmania, expressed her satisfaction with the decision, emphasizing the project’s potential to benefit both the local community and the state as a whole.
“St. Patricks Plains is an ideal site for wind energy generation,” stated Bolton. “With an on-site grid connection, manageable environmental impacts, and excellent wind resources, this project will deliver much-needed renewable electricity.”
She further highlighted the project’s alignment with Tasmania’s renewable energy targets and its anticipated contribution to the local economy.
Community Engagement and Local Benefits
Bolton acknowledged the ongoing support from landowners and community members, expressing eagerness to advance the project and share further information with local stakeholders.
The project has already garnered significant interest from Tasmanian businesses and property owners, with 40 companies and 50 local properties expressing interest in providing services and accommodations during construction.
Environmental Assessment and Mitigation
The council’s approval follows the Environment Protection Authority Tasmania’s (EPA) thorough environmental assessment and the issuance of environmental conditions.
The EPA also evaluated matters under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999 (EPBC Act), concluding that the project can be managed in an environmentally acceptable manner.
Design Iterations to Minimize Environmental Impact
The St. Patricks Plains wind farm has been under development since 2019, with several design modifications implemented to mitigate environmental impacts and address community concerns.
Notably, 20 wind turbines were removed from the original plan to avoid sensitive areas and minimize visual impact.
Bolton highlighted the focus on protecting the Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle, a key species in the region. Proactive measures, including design revisions to avoid eagle habitats and the implementation of the Identiflight curtailment system, were employed to minimize the risk of collision.
Continued Commitment to Environmental Stewardship
“We remain committed to minimizing environmental impacts, being a good neighbor to the surrounding community, and diligently working to deliver benefits from this project to both the local community and the wider region,” emphasized Bolton.
Next Steps and Future Outlook
Ark Energy is now reviewing the conditions associated with the permit approval and anticipates a final decision under the EPBC Act from the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water (DCCEEW).
Project Scope and National Significance
The St. Patricks Plains wind farm will comprise 47 wind turbines and ancillary infrastructure spread across several properties primarily used for livestock grazing and forestry.
With an anticipated generation capacity of up to 300 MW, it marks Ark Energy’s first planning approval in Tasmania. The company also secured approval for the 347 MW Bowmans Creek Wind Farm in New South Wales earlier this year and has additional utility-scale renewable projects in development across Australia.