Revised proposal in the wind

Moorabool News
Tuesday 11/3/2008 Page: 4

A revised Yaloak Wind Farm proposal by Pacific Hydro Pty Ltd will not require assessment under the Environment Effects Act, Minister for Planning Justin Madden MLC has confirmed. Moorabool Shire Council was notified of the decision, originally made at the time of the previous proposal in 2003 and upheld on the basis that there are no significant new or additional impacts within the project area that would arise from the revised proposal.

The move comes as Pacific Hydro seek to revive the $150 million Yaloak project and submit a revised proposal for a 70 generator wind farm, addressing the issues that saw the original proposal refused by the previous planning Minister. Minister Madden has also asked Pacific Hydro to consult with Moorabool Shire Council and other relevant government agencies in scoping the program of studies and finalising the documentation prior to lodging a planning permit application.

Moorabool Shire Council CEO, Robert Dobrzynski, said it is important the community remains informed of the proposed wind farm's progress. "Council is committed to keeping the community up-to-date on significant issues that concern them. The Yaloak Wind Farm was an important issue for the community when the first proposal was considered by the Minister in 2005. Whilst Council is not the responsible authority for making a decision on this matter, it wants to ensure the community remains informed of progress.

"Although the Minister has indicated that a revised proposal will not require assessment under the Environment Effects Act 1978, he has requested that the fresh planning permit application for the wind energy facility include an assessment of risks to flora and fauna listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. In particular, he has required attention be given to assessment of the risks to the Wedge-Tailed Eagle," he said. Mr Dobrzynski added that Council is unaware of timings surrounding any future planning application to the Minister.

The original proposal was refused because it did not appropriately consider the protection and conservation of biodiversity, particularly the impact upon Wedge-Tailed Eagles; had an adverse landscape impact in the Parwan Creek valley from views to the wind generators on the escarpment and the Bluff; and had an adverse amenity impact on residents in the Parwan Creek valley from wind generators located on the Bluff and Horseshoe.