Wednesday, 27 November 2024

 Renee HEATH (Eastern Victoria) (18:55): (1324) I have been contacted by constituents in South Gippsland who are concerned about the threat of the proposed Gelliondale wind farm and what effect it may have on the local bird populations, including endangered and critically endangered species. The history of government approvals for wind farms in this state suggests decisions are often based on inadequate environmental studies that have been proven erroneous in post-construction monitoring. An example is the high kill rate of white-bellied sea eagles and wedge-tailed eagles at Bald Hills wind farm during post-construction monitoring in 2015. This disproves consultants’ claims that the project would pose minimal risk to the species. Communities no longer have confidence in the adequacy and independence of environmental studies. They no longer have the right of appeal under the development facilitation program, and there is no guarantee that this project will be subject to proper scrutiny, because the government is rushing through approvals for renewables projects. My adjournment is for the Minister for Planning, and the action that I seek is an assurance that approval for the Gelliondale wind farm will not be granted without thorough and accurate monitoring of endangered and critically endangered bird species.