St Patricks Plains Wind Farm
On Tuesday, 30 July 2024 the St Patricks Plains Wind Farm received planning approval from Central Highlands Council. More here.
Information Centre, Bothwell
The St Patricks Plains Wind Farm Information Centre is located at 16a Patrick St, on the corner of Patrick and William Streets (former location of the information centre for Cattle Hill Wind Farm) and currently open 10.00am – 1.00pm on Fridays.
The St Patricks Plains Wind Farm proposal involves 47 wind turbines across a number of rural properties in the Central Highlands of Tasmania. The project area is about 10 km south-east of Miena and 25 km north of Bothwell, and located within Tasmania's candidate Central Highlands renewable energy zone. It is adjacent to the main north-south transmission corridor between Hobart and Launceston, and ideally located with strong and consistent wind speeds, powerline capacity on site, and distance to nearby dwellings.
The project is proposed to connect via a new substation to the on-site Palmerston to Waddamana powerlines owned by TasNetworks, and transmit electricity both north and south depending on the network needs, allowing hydro power generators to ramp down and save water during windy periods.
Key considerations for the project include impacts to neighbours and sensitive species around the site, including appropriate buffer distances from nearby eagle nests and other sensitive species. The project will also involve a community fund to support local initiatives and spread the benefits to surrounding areas.