Federal Decision on Tasmania Wind Project Delayed
The St Patricks Plains wind project in Tasmania has faced its fifth delay in awaiting a decision under the federal Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.
The project, initially designed for 67 turbines and now scaled back to 47, was deemed to require federal supervision in 2019. After changes in ownership, with Ark Energy acquiring the developer in 2022, the project has seen repeated delays in the decision-making process.
A government spokesperson from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water noted that both the previous delay and the current one were requested by Ark Energy. The new deadline for a decision is set for November 28.
Ark Energy has been contacted for comment on the matter. The project, proposed for a site in Tasmania's Central Highlands, is now planned to have a capacity of 291 megawatts (MW).
No comment has been received from Ark Energy at this time.
Author's summary: Tasmania wind project faces fifth delay in federal decision.