Epuron referred the prospective Guildford Wind Farm to the Federal Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment for review under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), and it has determined the project to be a ‘controlled action’.

The determination prescribes a number of studies for inclusion in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and means the project will also require assessment and approval under the EPBC Act.

Project manager for the development Sandra Weinhold welcomed the EPBC Act referral decision, and the additional guidance from the Commonwealth on environmental assessment requirements.

“We share the view that protecting the natural environment, a tenet of sustainable development, is a priority for our projects and welcome guidance on this from the Commonwealth.

"The goals of developing Tasmania’s and Australia’s renewable energy capacity and protecting local wildlife are both critically important, and both achievable with careful planning and the right approach.”

The project’s EPBC Act referral decision (reference number 2020/8797) is available on the EPBC Act - Public notices portal.