Nationals WA candidate for Warren-Blackwood Bevan Eatts with Scott Baxter and Alex Nicol.
UPDATE: Warren-Blackwood MLA Bevan Eatts has expressed urgent concerns over the proposed Scott River wind farm by Synergy, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive environmental investigation before any decisions are made. As the March State Election approaches, Eatts has highlighted significant issues surrounding the project that could impact local communities and the environment.
Just yesterday, Eatts stated, “We absolutely need long-term solutions to meet WA’s growing energy requirements, but that can’t come at the cost of our rivers, farmland, or regional identity.” His call for independent environmental assessments has sparked discussions about the potential risks associated with the wind farm, including concerns about acid sulfate soil, hydrology, and biodiversity.
Eatts has demanded full transparency regarding the environmental impacts, insisting that all findings must be publicly assessed before the project advances. “We all want reliable, affordable energy, but we also have a duty to protect the natural assets that make this region so special,” he added, stressing that this is not merely a debate about wind power, but about achieving a balance that benefits the community.
While Eatts has not outright opposed the project, he insists that stringent environmental conditions must be met. A spokesperson from the State Government confirmed that the Scott River wind farm has already passed some preliminary assessments. “Synergy recently shared the findings of its feasibility assessment for the project with the community,” they noted, promising ongoing discussions as the project progresses.
Local activist Scott Baxter, representing Save the Scott River, criticized the timing of the discussions regarding renewable energy policy in the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River, highlighting that they appear to come too late as a formal application for the wind farm is in motion.
As the situation develops, community members are encouraged to voice their concerns and participate in the upcoming public comment periods associated with the environmental assessments. The urgency of these discussions reflects the broader challenges facing Western Australia in balancing energy needs with environmental stewardship.
Residents and stakeholders are watching closely as the future of the Scott River wind farm project hangs in the balance. The outcome could have lasting implications not only for local ecosystems but also for the energy landscape in the region. Further updates are expected as the situation unfolds.
