UPDATE: Horsham Rural City Council has urgently raised significant concerns about the proposed Warracknabeal Energy Park, a massive renewable energy project set to feature 219 wind turbines just 5 km northwest of Warracknabeal. The Council’s submission to the Environment Effect Statement (EES) Inquiry was officially endorsed last night, highlighting critical issues affecting housing, employment, and local infrastructure.
As the project aims to position itself as potentially the largest wind facility in Australia, the Council emphasizes the immediate need for strategic investments from both state and federal governments to prepare the Horsham region for this energy transition. The implications of this project are profound, affecting not only the local community but also the broader economic landscape.
Key issues identified by the Council include:
- Worker Accommodation: The influx of construction workers will exacerbate existing housing shortages, putting immense pressure on social and affordable housing options in the area.
- Employment Challenges: With a tight labor market, Horsham risks facing significant workforce shortages that could stifle growth across various industries if urgent measures are not taken.
- Road Traffic Impacts: Transportation of turbine components from Portland through local roads, rather than major arterial routes, will disrupt regional traffic and strain local infrastructure.
“Horsham has a number of developed and planned renewable energy facilities in the region, and three mineral sand mines under development,” said Acting Mayor Brian Klowss. “Our Rural City plays a key role in servicing and accommodating these major projects, and their cumulative impact presents challenges for the municipality.”
More than 90 public submissions have been lodged directly to the EES process, reflecting widespread community concern. The Council’s endorsement of its submission is intended to ensure that these pressing issues are taken into account during the inquiry.
The implications of the Warracknabeal Energy Park are far-reaching, as the project promises to alter the economic and social fabric of the region. The Council stresses the importance of advocating for local solutions to mitigate the risks associated with this significant development.
With the deadline for the EES inquiry approaching, local stakeholders are urged to remain engaged and vocal about their concerns. The Council’s proactive stance aims to ensure that the needs of the community are prioritized in the face of this major energy shift.
The situation is developing rapidly, and further updates are expected as the inquiry progresses. Stay tuned for more information on how the Warracknabeal Energy Park could impact life in Horsham.
