The federal government has once again pushed back its decision on the proposed 100-turbine wind farm on Robbins Island in Tasmania’s north-west.
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has announced a further delay until March 7, 2025, extending a deadline initially set for December 9.
It follows a request by Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek for more information from the project proponent, ACEN, regarding the impact on Tasmanian devil habitat.
While the EPBC Act mandates a 30-day decision period after receiving this information, the department has twice extended the timeframe.
A department spokesperson said the ongoing assessment requires more time to fully consider all relevant details.
ACEN has voiced its disappointment over the delay but remains hopeful for a positive outcome for its $1.6 billion project.
The delay has drawn fire from Tasmania’s Energy Minister Nick Duigan, a staunch supporter of the wind farm and the state’s wind energy industry.
“Tasmania’s renewable energy future has become the latest victim of Labor’s shameless attempt to kowtow to inner-city Mainland voters,” he said.
“The Robbins Island Wind Farm will generate hundreds of jobs, hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity and help Tasmania keep our power prices the lowest in the nation.”
The wind farm was first proposed a decade ago.
