Fed: Campbell gives Bald Hills wind farm go-ahead = 2

AAP General News (Australia)
12-21-2006
Fed: Campbell gives Bald Hills wind farm go-ahead = 2

Senator Campbell said in light of the changes to the reconfiguration of the 52 turbine
wind farm in South Gippsland and strict conditions to ensure protection of threatened
and migratory species, the proposal had been approved under the Environment Protection
and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

"My concern with the initial wind farm proposal was the risks posed to the threatened
orange-bellied parrot, which I believed were unacceptable," Senator Campbell said in a
statement.

"I appreciate the acknowledgement by the proponents in their varied proposal of the
concerns relating to the orange-bellied parrot and other species and appreciate the changes
proposed to address those risks.

"In particular, the proponents have moved six turbines that were previously within
two kilometres of the coast to ensure that there is no impact on the migratory path of
the orange-bellied parrot."

Senator Campbell said a commitment had also been made to closely and constantly monitor
the impact on the parrot and other species and to implement procedures to mitigate any
potential impact in accordance with the latest and best advice.

"My approval of the Bald Hills wind farm is subject to adherence to these commitments
and a number of other conditions to protect threatened and migratory species," he said.

These conditions included wind turbines or related infrastructure not being constructed
within 300 metres of the boundary of the Bald Hills Wetland Reserve or within 800 metres
of the edge of the largest area of open water habitat within the Bald Hills Wetland Reserve.

Also, wind turbines may not be constructed within two kilometres of the coastline and,
to ensure the long term protection of listed threatened and migratory species, the proponent
must prepare and submit for the minister's approval an avifauna management plan, including
the identification of a qualified independent observer to undertake monitoring on site
of listed species using the site and any birdstrike.

Senator Campbell said that, having thoroughly considered all information presented
to him in relation to the proposal, he was satisfied the strict conditions attached to
the approval would address the risk to threatened species that may use the area.

"I considered very carefully the 160-plus public comments and advice from relevant
experts, including the advice of Biosis that the risks to orange-bellied parrots could
be adequately managed through the changes to and conditions placed on the proposal," he
said.

"Consideration of any project that may have a significant impact on matters of national
environmental significance, including nationally threatened and migratory species, will
always need careful consideration on a case-by-case basis.

"Wind energy has an important role to play in Australia's developing renewable energy sector."

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