Wind energy developments in the Yarrilinks area
There are a number of new renewable energy developments proposed in the Yarrilinks area. These include Warracknabeal and Wilkur Energy Parks, and a Murra Warra to Bulgana Transmission Line which was recently announced.
Alicia recently met with Cara Hadzig, Community Liaison and Land Tenure Assistant for West Wind Energy, to better understand these projects. Cara lives in the Murra Warra area and remembers how the changes affected her and her family when that wind farm was developed. She recommended staying informed about the projects to help understand the changes proposed, and getting involved with community engagement opportunities.
Warracknabeal Energy Park Map
Warracknabeal Energy Park (WAEP)
The Warracknabeal Energy Park Project will be located to the northwest and southwest of Warracknabeal. This project is currently about 18 months ahead of the Wilkur Energy Park Project.
The project currently has a community survey open for feedback, and other links and files of interest can be found below. This information is also available on the West Wind website.
The WAEP Community Benefit Fund will provide about $400k in community funding annually once the project is fully online.
Complete the WAEP Community Survey here.
Wilkur Energy Park (WLEP)
This project will be located between Bangerang and Birchip, and is in the early planning stages, about 18 months behind the Warracknabeal project.
Wilkur Energy Park Map
The WLEP Community Benefit Fund will provide about $200k in community funding annually once the project is fully online.
Impacts on Wildlife
The Warracknabeal Energy Park project is currently undertaking flora and fauna surveys as part of the planning process. Ecological consultants from the Nature Advisory are seeking feedback from community members with local knowledge on threatened species in the area. They are particularly interested in Brolga and raptor sightings, as well as threatened plants. If you would be willing to speak to them and share your knowledge, please contact Alicia to be put in touch.
Yarrilinks is keen to understand the opinions of our community in relation to these developments, particularly as they relate to impacts on the environment and agriculture. If you’d like to have a chat, please contact Alicia on 0455 166 445 or landcare@yarrilinks.org.au.