South Gippsland Sentinel Times
Tuesday 26/9/2006, Page: 13
Wind Power Pty Ltd has made minor changes for its plans for the 52-turbine, $220 million wind farm at Bald Hills, to meet concerns about the threat to the endangered Orange-bellied parrot. A slight adjustment of the turbine configuration, extra funding for parrot conservation, and a new community fund were the main features of a new submission.
Wind Power hopes the changes will satisfy Federal environment minister Ian Campbell who blocked the wind farm in April. The Senator then agreed to accept a new submission from Wind Power in August under a deal that stopped court action from the proponent and the Victorian Government.
Andrew Newbold, representing Wind Power, said the revised plans focus on the Orange-bellied parrot (OPB). "The submission assumes, based on the Minister's previous decision, that the Orangebellied parrot is the only endangered or migratory species relevant to the decision in which the approval was not granted." he said.
"The proponent will contribute totals of $750,000 towards the orange bellied parrot conservation and recovery activities and $625,000 for a local community fund over the commercial life of the proposal."
Several turbines closest to the coast will also be shifted inland around 150 metres. "The site for the Bald Hills wind farm is not in the migratory path of the OBP because it does not encroach on the 2km coastal strip that is the OBP's usual potential migration zone."
While allowing the proponent to enter new plans. Senator Campbell also allowed objectors and supporters of the project t4 also enter new submissions. The move has infuriated state planning minister Rob Hulls, who claims Senator Campbell is stalling.
"Senator Ian Campbell has abandoned all pretence of One process with his latest political whim calling for public submissions." Mr Hulls said.
"This project has already been through an exhaustive and independent public consultation process, and now Senator Campbell wants people in a clandestine way to write to him without any public mechanism for testing those submissions," Mr Hulls said.
"This has been a debacle from the moment Ian Campbell laid eyes on it. He has become an orange-bellied embarrassment as he simply makes things up as he goes along without any respect for due process. "Senator Campbell should just approve this wind farm and stop playing his pathetic, childish political games that are putting renewable energy investment at risk."
Senator Campbell said the information would be assessed thoroughly and as promptly as possible. "I want all stakeholders to have the opportunity to have their say. Public submissions will be accepted until the close of business on Wednesday. October 11. "
The submission from Bald Hills Wind Farm Pty Ltd can be seen on my Department website www.deh.gov.au." he said.
All comments must be provided in writing and addressed to:
Assistant Secretary,
Environment Assessment Branch,
Department of the Environment and Heritage.
GPO Box 787,
Canberra ACT 2601.
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