A contentious wind farm project on Robbins Island in Tasmania has finally received approval from the federal government after an eight-year delay. Environment Minister Murray Watt emphasized the need for Australia to be “realistic” about its renewable energy requirements during a press conference in Canberra. The project, proposed by ACEN Australia, involves the installation of 100 wind turbines and has faced significant opposition from environmentalists concerned about its impact on local wildlife.
During his announcement, Minister Watt explained that he had worked to balance the demand for renewable energy with the need for environmental protections. “It is important that proponents do the right thing and consult their communities, but we have to be realistic about the needs of our country for that renewable energy,” he stated. The wind farm is projected to generate enough electricity to power approximately 422,000 homes while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 3.4 million tonnes annually. This reduction is comparable to removing more than a million cars from the roads.
Despite the government’s support, environmental advocates remain concerned about the potential risks to endangered species. One of the main issues raised is the impact on the critically endangered orange-bellied parrot, which could be further threatened by the project. Additionally, the construction of a bridge to the island poses a risk to the local population of Tasmanian devils, which have been severely affected by a deadly facial tumour disease that has decimated two-thirds of their population in the past thirty years.
Former Greens politician and Bob Brown Foundation patron Christine Milne voiced her concerns, stating, “The suggestion that we wipe out biodiversity for the sake of renewable energy that goes to the mainland is ridiculous.” In response to these issues, the Labor government has set conditions aimed at mitigating environmental impacts. These include funding for an orange-bellied parrot conservation program and barriers designed to prevent the transmission of the facial tumour disease among Tasmanian devils. Furthermore, no wind turbines or other infrastructure can be placed within one kilometre of a Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle nest.
Construction of the $3 billion development is anticipated to commence in 2031. The project is expected to create approximately 350 direct jobs and an additional 50 ongoing operational jobs. In light of the approval, David Pollington, managing director of ACEN Australia, remarked that the decision signifies a responsible approach to large-scale projects that balances biodiversity conservation with the imperative for clean energy.
As Australia continues to navigate its energy needs and environmental responsibilities, the Robbins Island wind farm serves as a focal point in the ongoing debate over renewable energy development and ecological protection.
