Community & Business
15 March, 2024
Wind farm gathers support
LOCAL stakeholders are voicing their support for the proposed Woorooa Station Wind Farm ahead of a decision next month by Federal Minister for Environment Tanya Plibersek on the controversial project.
Project owner Ark Energy says it has received letters and videos of support for the 42-turbine wind farm, including the Jirrbal Traditional Owners, the Reef and Rainforest Research Centre, Tablelands Regional Council and some of the region's largest employers.
“We’ve been hearing more and more from the Traditional Owners, local business people, community members and council about the benefits and opportunities they see in this project for the local area, and that they are keen for it to get underway,” general manager Anthony Russo said.
“They understand the socio-economic benefits it will bring and the measures taken to reduce environmental impacts to exceptionally low levels, including a world-class nature positive plan involving First Nations Peoples.”
Mr Russo said the proposed wind farm had put forward a “raft of commitments” to improve habitat for key species on the site significantly over the longer term.
“Benefits for the magnificent brood frog will be particularly significant,” he said.
“The survey work has progressed scientific knowledge for that species and the project avoids all known habitat while proposing to create 1,255 hectares of protected magnificent brood frog reserve vastly improving conservation efforts.”
Among those who have submitted letters of support were Kidner Contracting, Tableland Traffic Services, Bonos Excavations and Kool Moon Motel.
“We’re hoping for a positive outcome with the Federal Government’s decision, not just for Ark Energy, but for the Traditional Owners and people of Ravenshoe, who deserve a gold star green energy project to support future generations and show the rest of the country how combining renewable energy development with conservation efforts can be done,” Mr Russo added.
