There is currently one planned Windfarm project in close proximity to Nelson’s Lower Glenelg NP/Discovery Bay Ramsar site. Nelson Coastcare is concerned that many people who have an interest in our area’s environment are still unaware of this project. Nelson Coastcare will oppose windfarm projects that cannot show that they do no harm to the ecological values of the Ramsar site or lead to a breach of Australia’s obligations under the Ramsar Convention.
The Kentbruck Green Power Hub, originally proposed by French company Neoen, may comprise 105 turbines clustered from just outside Nelson to around 25 km from Portland. The turbines will stand parallel to the Ramsar site and be among the highest seen so far in Australia. They would be mostly sited in pine plantations owned and operated by Green Triangle Forest Products.
The proposal is subject to an Environmental Effects Statement (EES) requirement and documents are expected to issue on 18 January 2025 for public exhibition. The exhibition period is 30 business days finishing on 11 March. Submissions on the EES will be made via the Engage Victoria submissions page.
You can find out about the proposal at Kentbruck Green Power Hub – Clean Energy for Victoria and at Kentbruck Green Power Hub (planning.vic.gov.au)
Photo: Turbines at Whitelee Wind Farm by Gordon Brown, Turbines at Whitelee Wind Farm – geograph.org.uk – 2161334, CC BY-SA 2.0
Words by M Styles
Nelson Coastcare 