Proposed 300MW St Patricks Plains Wind Farm secures planning approval

A proposed 300MW wind farm is a step closer to being built in Tasmania’s Central Highlands region after the project was granted planning approval by the Central Highlands Council, with the Tasmanian Government welcoming the decision. 

Ark Energy’s St Patricks Plains Wind Farm will be located about 10 kilometres south-east of Miena and 25 kilometres north of Bothwell, within the Central Highlands renewable energy zone. 

“It is good to see progress being made on projects like this. It’s great news and is another big step in growing Tasmania’s renewable energy resource. 

“This project will also make a significant contribution to achieving our Renewable Energy Target, to double energy production by 2040. 

“Our State needs new renewable generation to support our growing economy, including expanding existing, and new industries,” Minister for Energy and Renewables Nick Duigan said. 

The granting of planning approval to the project follows the establishment of environmental conditions set by the Board of Tasmania’s Environment Protection Authority (EPA). 

Th EPA has also assessed matters protected under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and found that the project is “capable of being managed in an environmentally acceptable manner”. 

“The St Patricks Plains Wind Farm site is an excellent location for wind energy generation. Grid connection is on-site, residual environmental impacts can be managed and the wind resource is excellent. This project will deliver much needed new renewable electricity generation to help Tasmania benefit from its world leading wind resource and achieve its renewable energy target, as well as bring a wide range of benefits for the local community and region. 

“We thank our host landowners and community members for their ongoing support and look forward to progressing the project and providing more information to the growing list of local residents, suppliers and business owners excited by the opportunity to be part of this project. To date we have received interest from 40 Tasmanian-based companies and owners of 50 local properties to provide services and accommodation during construction,” Ark Energy General Manager Development for Tasmania Donna Bolton said. 

Source: Ark Energy

The St Patricks Plains Wind Farm has been under development since 2019, and it went through several design changes to avoid environmental impacts, minimise visual impacts and address community concerns. 

The project has been subject to concerns about noise and visual impacts and the wind turbines’ effect on wedge-tailed eagles. 

Ark Energy will now consider the conditions set under the planning approval while waiting for a final decision under the EPBC Act from the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. 

“We have worked hard to avoid and minimise potential environmental impacts, and the unavoidable environmental impacts are manageable, as shown by the EPA’s report. 

“The Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle has been a key species of focus. Proactive avoidance and the latest technology have been combined to achieve the least impact possible to Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagles. Major design revisions have been made to avoid areas used by eagles and the Identiflight curtailment system will be installed across the site to minimise collision risk,” Ms Bolton said. 

After design alterations, the St Patricks Plains Wind Farm will now consist of 47 wind turbines and ancillary infrastructure across several properties utilised mostly for livestock grazing and forestry. 

Source: Premier of Tasmania – News; Ark Energy (1, 2); Tasmanian Times; Pulse Tasmania; Renewables Now; Renew Economy