The Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has determined the proposal a controlled action under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and the Environment Protection Authority Tasmania (EPA) has issued Project Specific Guidelines identifying the key matters for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

Work on the various studies will commence soon. A key area for assessment is the Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle. Eagle utilisation across the site will be studied for up to two years (eight seasons). Ark Energy is tracking a number of eagles around the project area using GPS devices as part of a wider research project by the University of Tasmania into how wedge-tailed eagles use the landscape. Independent ecology specialists will also conduct on-ground surveys of eagle flights. Findings from these studies and the various other assessments required, will inform the final wind turbine layout and project design.

Assessment documents are available on the EPA’s project page.

The project’s EPBC Act referral and decision (Reference ID 2022/09299) is available on the EPBC Act Public Portal.

In May 2022 Ark Energy completed its friendly acquisition of Epuron, the proponent for the Hellyer Wind Farm, and in October 2022 the Epuron name was retired. Ark Energy is a subsidiary of Korea Zinc, the first major refiner to join RE100 and commit to powering its global operations from 100% clean energy by 2050. There are no changes to the plans for the project as a result of the change in ownership.

Local information sessions for the project at Ridgley Community Centre and Waratah Men’s Shed in June were well attended with residents from Ridgley, Hampshire and Waratah and other interested stakeholders dropping in to speak to the project team, to ask questions and learn more about the proposal. The project team thanks everyone who took the time to attend. We hope it was informative and appreciate the feedback we received. The materials shared at the sessions are available here.

The project team will host another local information session in the first half of 2023. Details will be provided in the next newsletter.

Wind farms generate significant economic benefits for local and regional communities including jobs, contract work and increased patronage for businesses and retail. The project would also involve a community benefit fund. Suggestions on priorities that could be supported by the community benefit fund can be sent to the project team via email or the feedback form. We look forward to working with the community to deliver meaningful and lasting local benefits from the project.

Thank you to all those who have engaged with us for this project to date. We welcome input to help shape the project and maximise local benefits. Questions and feedback can be sent to the project team via email or the feedback form. We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable festive season and look forward to updating you again in early 2023.

Download the Hellyer Wind Farm Update - December 2022