Neighbours demand details as host site confirmed for proposed Synergy Scott River wind farm project

Dairy magnate Ross Woodhouse has confirmed he’s signed a lease to host a wind farm as community concerns ramp up about the future of the Scott River region. As one of the State’s biggest dairy operators, Mr Woodhouse had expressed interest in diversifying his business and improving its green credentials. He told the Times in signing a 33-year lease with options for Synergy’s yet-to-be-confirmed wind farm, connection to the power line to Beenup was one of the greatest outcomes. “It’s a great opportunity to tap into the old BHP power line and save the State lots of taxpayer dollars on transmission lines,” Mr Woodhouse said. “(There will be) ongoing consultation about possible location of turbines. “There are many environmental assessments going on for plants and birds (and) regular visits from consultants...” Confirmation of the project’s future remained up in the air, with Synergy this week announcing a new slate of public discussions aimed at keeping residents informed about the green energy project which was just one of multiple options the utility was investigating across Western Australia. A proposed new gravel pit also on Mr Woodhouse’s land was advertised for comment last month and had increased concerns from residents about the project moving forward with key information released to neighbours. Gralyn Estate owner Scott Baxter was among protesters leading the charge against the proposal and demanded they release visual impact studies to give residents more certainty. “This is a property rights issue (and) our right to use and enjoy our land without noise and disturbance or loss of value,” he said. “I don’t mind what people do on their land as long as it doesn’t interfere or impact our legal right of use and amenity. “(It is) 18 months-plus down the track and (we) still don’t know where the turbines will be placed or what the project will look like.” The Times understands at least two applications to develop chalet-based ecotourism projects were in the wings, with operators concerned major wind turbines could scuttle their aspirations. Mr Baxter said neighbours were coming to him in distress about the project and its perceived lack of disclosure. “(They are) finding everything quite overwhelming with what’s proposed … as we all are,” he told the Times. A Synergy spokesperson said more information on the findings of various studies would be released during upcoming consultation sessions. “Community consultation is a critical step in the feasibility study process of the proposed wind farm in Scott River,” they said. “Rigorous environmental and planning studies are also currently underway as part of the feasibility study process – including flora and fauna, hydrology and bushfire management – to ensure Synergy has the necessary data to determine if the proposed site is suitable for wind farm development.” Synergy consultation sessions run across the region from December 8 to 10, including sessions on Molloy Island and East Augusta. Visit engage.synergyrenewables.net.au/scottriver for a specific times and places.