Victorian developer WestWind Energy considering Triabunna for future wind farm

Investigations into the viability of a small wind farm on the state’s East Coast are being hampered by a unique permit requirement. DETAILS >>

VICTORIA’S largest wind farm developer wants to investigate the possibility of an energy park on Tasmania’s east coast, but is stumbling at the first red tape block.

WestWind Energy has submitted a planning permit application with Glamorgan Spring Bay Council for a meteorological mast to be erected at 336 Okehampton Rd, Triabunna. The 1538ha site is used as rural grazing land.

TALKING POINT: RENEWABLE ENERGY QUESTIONS BLOWING IN THE WIND

Triabunna could be a potentially suitable site for a small wind farm. Picture: File image/ Supplied

The construction of a 60m temporary meteorological mast, also known as an anemometer, would be for the purpose of measuring wind speed and direction.

Unlike many parts of the country, the Glamorgan Spring Bay Interim Planning Scheme includes a clause which requires a permit for anemometers.

“WWE is the largest wind farm developer in Victoria and regularly constructs anemometers without the need for a planning permit,” WestWind Energy chief operations officer Marla Brauer said.

“WWE is eager to conduct wind measuring activities in Triabunna to determine if the wind resource is suitable for the consideration of renewable energy generation.

“We note if the wind resource is suitable and a proposal to generate renewable energy is furthered, then an application for a planning permit application will be lodged with the council.

“However, as extensive wind measurement investigation and research is required prior to contemplating any future proposal, it is critical to commence investigations promptly to avoid unnecessary delays.”

MORE NEWS:

• Brothers use shutdown to invest $1M+ in top hotel
• What shock childcare changes mean for you
• TAFE joins push in training future clean energy workforce

A WestWind spokeswoman told the Mercury the company had been prospecting and wind monitoring in Tasmania for a number of years, but had not proceeded on planning approval for any projects in the state to date.

“This area could be a potentially suitable site for a small wind farm due to location, wind resource and grid availability,” the spokeswoman said.

“We are now in the very early stages of determining the feasibility of a project.

“We do anticipate this to be a small wind farm with a potential of up to 10 turbines. Once the wind resource is confirmed, we will undertake further assessment to determine the size of the project.”

TASMANIA’S NEWEST WIND FARM PRODUCING ELECTRICITY

In the North-West, construction works for the $280 million, 31-turbine wind farm at Granville Harbour are expected to be completed in August.

Goldwind’s Cattle Hill wind farm, in the Central Highlands, with 48 turbines is also close to completion.

During last month’s draft renewables energy action plan release, Energy Minister Guy Barnett said Tasmania was on track to being 100 per cent renewable self-sufficient by 2022.

The WWE application is open for public comment until June 18.