Scott River wind farm
1309. Hon Rod Caddies to the Minister for the Environment:
I refer to the decision by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to not assess Synergy's Scott River wind farm proposal.
(1) Can the minister confirm that the EPA has found that the proposed Scott River wind farm may have potential impacts on:
(a) local terrestrial environmental quality from disturbance of acid sulphate soils;
(b) terrestrial fauna from ongoing risks of collision with wind turbines;
(c) inland waters from dewatering and disturbance of acid sulphate soils; and
(d) social surroundings from construction and operational noise, dust and vibration, and visual amenity?
(2) Can the minister guarantee that the wind turbines to be installed by the state government at Scott River will not cause asbestos contamination in the local environment?
Hon Matthew Swinbourn replied:
I thank the member for some notice of the question.
(1)–(2) In accordance with the Environmental Protection Act 1986, the independent Environmental Protection Authority has determined not to assess the proposal. I table a copy of the EPA's decision report that sets out the reasons for this decision.
(See paper 911.)
Hon Matthew Swinbourn: The proponent is responsible for development and construction decisions and activities, including compliance with relevant legislation and regulations.
