$1.5 billion wind farm declared major project in Tasmania

150
Image credit: Ben/stock.adobe.com

The Tasmanian Liberal Government has declared the $1.5 billion Cellars Hill Wind Farm a Major Project under its landmark major project legislation, aiming to streamline approvals for large-scale renewable energy developments. 

The move comes alongside proposed legislative changes to accelerate the approval process for similar projects in the future, the government said in a news release. 

Minister for Housing, Planning, and Consumer Affairs Felix Ellis said the project is a significant driver of economic growth and job creation. 

“Cellars Hill Wind Farm is large, complex and significant for the region and our state – it’s clear this is a Major Project and will now be assessed under our streamlined pathway,” he said. 

“In our small state, big projects are a gamechanger. No one can argue with the jobs and opportunities created by our first Major Project declaration – the Bridgewater Bridge.”

The wind farm is expected to create up to 238 jobs during construction and 14 ongoing positions once operational.

It is one of four large-scale wind projects currently undergoing assessment by the Tasmanian Planning Commission under the Major Projects framework. 

Minister Ellis said the government plans to introduce a Bill that would automatically qualify large renewable energy projects for the streamlined approval process. 

“Our Government wants to see large renewable energy developments get out of the ground faster and simpler,” he said. 

“Planning reform like this will help future-proof our economy for years to come.”

Minister for Energy and Renewables Nick Duigan said the initiative reinforces Tasmania’s commitment to maintaining its status as a renewable energy leader. 

“We want to see more projects getting off the ground sooner, this change will allow more large renewable energy projects like Cellars Hill to automatically become eligible for Major Project assessment, should proponents choose that path,” he said. 

“We are absolutely committed to enabling job-creating developments like Cellars Hill, ensuring we generate the energy we need, and grow the economy.”

Andrew Clark, director of the Cellars Hill Wind Farm project, said the initiative is community-driven and led by multi-generational landowners. 

“The project is being led by multi-generational farmers and includes a proposal for a $1,000 per annum energy subsidy per household/business within Bothwell and within 12 kilometres of a turbine, paid for the life of the project,” he said. 

“We thank the Tasmanian Government for making this declaration and look forward to Cellars Hill Wind Farm contributing towards the Tasmanian Renewable Energy Target of 200% renewable energy by 2040.”

With its Major Project status confirmed, the proposal will now undergo assessment by an independent expert panel appointed by the Tasmanian Planning Commission, in collaboration with relevant statutory regulators.