Murra Warra Wind Farm ecological assessment
Client: RES Australia Pty Ltd
Location: Victoria
Date: 2010-2020
Services provided
- Due diligence / preliminary ecological assessment
- Detailed Flora and Fauna Assessments in line with local, state and commonwealth legislative requirements
- Targeted surveys for threatened species
- Bird and bat utilisation studies
- EPBC Act referral
- Assistance with planning approvals and secondary consents, including Native Vegetation Plans and Bird and Bat Management Plans.
Background
Biosis was commissioned by RES Australia to undertake the ecological assessment for the Murra Warra Wind Farm.
The assessment process commenced in 2010, with a due-diligence (or red-flag) assessment to provide advice regarding critical environmental issues that could be key constraints or risks during the approval process.
Detailed surveys commenced in 2012, involving native vegetation mapping, fauna surveys, bird and bat utilisation surveys and targeted surveys for threatened species. Biosis was involved at all stages as the project evolved, including the expansion of the study area and consideration of native vegetation impacts along the proposed transport route. Once planning permission was granted, Biosis was commissioned to prepare documents required for secondary consents, including Native Vegetation Plans and the Bird and Bat Management Plan. Secondary consent for stage 2 involved re-assessment of native vegetation impacts to incorporate a revised site layout due to a change in turbine model. Biosis continues to provide ecological advice to the current project operator as needed.
Outcome
Information from Biosis was critical to inform the design of the project, particularly to avoid and minimise impacts to native vegetation. The project achieved planning approval in 2016.
The project was constructed and continues to operate in two stages (I and II), each with different investment and infrastructure partners. Construction of stage 1 was completed in 2020 and stage 2 in 2023. In combination, the project consists of 92 wind turbines and can contribute over 1800 GWh annually to the national electricity grid.
