Wind monitoring in the project area is continuing, further proving the excellent resource. There are currently three mobile wind monitoring units (Sodars) and two 120 m high meteorological masts located across the site, with plans to install an additional mobile wind monitoring unit (Lidar) and two 150 m high met masts.

The first year of onsite surveys by ecologist teams has been completed, with ecology surveys conducted in Autumn and Spring, including for bird, bat, reptile and mammal species.

Engagement with the Traditional Owners for the project area, Barada Kabalbara Yetimarala Peoples, is ongoing for a Cultural Heritage Management Agreement.

The project team is also progressing work on the various other studies required for the development application (DA), with a view to lodging the DA this year.

Ark Energy referred the proposal for the Boomer Green Energy Hub to the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) for review under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

Based on the referral DCCEEW has determined the proposal to be a controlled action. This means it will require assessment and approval under the EPBC Act before it can proceed. DCCEEW will assess the proposal by an environmental impact statement (EIS).

The relevant controlling provisions for the decision are: listed threatened species and communities (sections 18 & 18A), listed migratory species (sections 20 & 20A), Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (sections 24B & 24C), World Heritage properties (sections 12 & 15A) and National Heritage places (sections 15B & 15C).

The project’s EPBC Act referral and documentation is available on the EPBC Public Portal (EBPC number 2022/09396).

A public information session will be held in Marlborough next month to give interested local residents and other community members an opportunity to discuss the proposal with the project team.

• 4-6pm Wednesday 10 May 2023, Marlborough Community Hall, Milman Street, Marlborough

Everyone is welcome. To assist with catering please RSVP by 8 May via email. The project team looks forward to meeting community members and the opportunity to discuss the project in detail with local stakeholders.

Download the Boomer Green Energy Hub Update - April 2023