Western Victoria Region
Bev McARTHUR (Western Victoria) (12:50): (1653) My constituency question to the Minister for Planning concerns the proposed Acciona Tall Tree Wind Farm in Golden Plains shire. I attended a rally last year and heard serious concerns from residents of Meredith, Lethbridge, Inverleigh, Teesdale and Bannockburn about the project’s scale and siting. These include shadow flicker, visual amenity, wildlife impacts, land use restrictions, transmission infrastructure and disruption during construction and operation. My particular concern is for the Lethbridge Airport. While some turbine heights have been reduced, 54 turbines may remain dangerously close to runways and training zones. Acciona has referenced an aviation safety study, yet no such assessment has been shared with the airport, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner or the community. CASA confirms it has received no impact statement. Will the minister (1) refer the project for a full environment effects statement, (2) require a comprehensive aviation safety study, and (3) ensure that a report is made public before any approval is granted?