A proposed wind farm on Tasmania’s West Coast has been granted major project status by the state government.
The Whaleback Ridge project includes building around 500 wind turbines with a projected capacity of 3,000 megawatts near the Meredith Range Regional Reserve.
Liberal and former Planning Minister Michael Ferguson said the assessment of the project will be handled by an independent panel established by the Tasmanian Planning Commission, rather than the West Coast Council.
“Progressing Whaleback Ridge is a step forward in realising our renewable energy agenda, increasing our on-island generation and bringing jobs and opportunity to the West Coast,” he said.
“The proponents estimate it will create up to 550 permanent jobs and 4,500 jobs during construction, should all aspects of the project be realised.”
Clean Energy Tasmania has welcomed the declaration as “a win for renewables”.
“Tasmania is in desperate need of additional renewable generation to help local businesses grow and to keep downward pressure on power prices,” Chair Ian Jones said.
“Whaleback Ridge, when fully completed will be a massive boost to our economy, it will support jobs in regional Tasmania and it will help unlock our renewable energy potential.”
However, critics including the Bob Brown Foundation, have expressed concerns about the project, describing it as “ill-conceived and undercooked”.
Campaigner Scott Jordan said the proposed project area is home to numerous threatened species and serves as an important hunting ground for Wedge-tailed Eagles.
“This proposal ought to be assessed at the highest possible level, against the highest possible standard. If it was, it would fail,” he said.
“We are used to being sold the odd bottle of snake oil at elections but this time the Liberals have teamed up with the developer to sell it by the tanker at taxpayers’ expense.”
The announcement also landed the Liberals in hot water, with accusations of breaching caretaker conventions by making the declaration during election season.
