Jupiter wind farm told to improve project environmental statement

The Department of Planning and Environment has not accepted the application for the Jupiter Wind Farm near Tarago, and has advised the proponent that its Environmental Impact Statement is not suitable for public exhibition.

The Department has reviewed the EIS and found that the proponent has:

• not adequately assessed the visual and noise impacts of the project, as required by government guidelines;
• not undertaken sufficient consultation with local residents about measures to reduce impacts of the wind farm, particularly in regard to visual impacts; and
• not fully considered the compatibility of the project with local planning controls and the emerging rural-residential nature of the area.

A spokesperson for the Department said that information presented to the community regarding impacts of state significant developments like wind farms needed to be of the highest quality.

“The community has a legitimate interest in major development in their area. That is why the company was required to consult with the community, especially its nearest neighbours, about the impacts of its proposal,” the spokesperson said.

“The Department has informed the company that it has not met its requirements and that more work needs to be done on these issues before any application could go on public exhibition.”