Hastings wind farm rejection avoidable, say parks group

Last minute rejections of offshore wind projects could be avoided while protecting Victoria’s coastlines, according to a new discussion paper.

The Victorian National Parks Association says state and federal conflicts over projects like the vetoed Port of Hastings wind farm could be circumvented by improving marine planning and identifying suitability before licenses are awarded to developers.

“We’ve created a comprehensive plan for federal and state governments to make sure our natural environment is not sacrificed for the energy transition,” association campaigner Shannon Hurley said.

In January, federal environment minister Tanya Plibersek rejected the state-owned Port of Hastings Corporation’s application to build a wind farm southeast of Melbourne over risks to an internationally recognised wetland.

Critics say the Port of Hastings project debacle could have been avoided. (Ian Currie/AAP PHOTOS)

The Victorian government, which has set ambitious renewable energy targets for the state, has vowed to challenge the decision.

“If (marine and wildlife habitats are) left unprotected and overlooked in the rapid energy transition, we risk creating as many problems as we solve,” Ms Hurley said.

“This plan gives Victoria the opportunity to win the crucial social licence from local communities, reduce investment risks and speed up the right renewable projects.”

Biodiversity Council member Brendan Wintle agreed the Hastings Project debacle could have been avoided and is contributing to research to find the best locations for onshore renewable projects.

“Early analysis of nature data should have flagged the unsuitability of the Port of Hastings,” said Prof Wintle, a conservation ecology professor at Melbourne University.

The university is mapping out areas where renewable energy projects could be rolled out without risking natural habitats, agricultural land or cultural values.

“For example, ‘green-light’ zones are likely to include degraded cleared land that is no longer being used for agriculture and, in the case of wind farms, well away from the flight paths of vulnerable bird and bat species,” Prof Wintle said.

Victorian communities in multiple corners of the state have been incensed over plans for energy infrastructure builds in their regions and an alleged lack of consultation.

“Identifying these zones up front ensures the location of projects is strategic and is what Victorian’s expect from government,” Prof Wintle said.

“People don’t want developments to just happen anywhere at the whim of developers.”