Shire of Augusta-Margaret River renewable energy policy plan a fast track for wind farm development: opponents

Public comment is being sought on a new shire policy focused on renewable energy. Development of the policy comes as the region faces the possibility of a Synergy-backed wind farm at Scott River, which is already the subject of a bitter campaign by some neighbours rejecting the project. Consultation to develop the renewable energy local planning policy was announced this week as a means to drive future council decision-making. Shire of Augusta-Margaret River president Julia Jean-Rice said the consultation was about understanding the community’s views about renewables. An “Issues and Options Paper” was now available on the shire’s Your Say consultation platform. Opponents of the wind farm said it was a case of the local government getting its ducks in a row before Synergy moved ahead with the project later this year or next, supported by the Augusta-Margaret River Clean Community Energy group. “The shire’s sudden push for a renewable energy policy feels disingenuous,” Scott River campaigner Scott Baxter said. “The Issues and Options Paper is not neutral. It reads like a roadmap for developers and doesn’t even ask whether the community wants industrial renewables here at all. “Until the shire holds a proper public meeting and sets clear limits to protect farmland and sensitive ecological areas, consultation is meaningless.” Synergy had public consultation sessions running in the region this coming week. An AMRCCE spokesperson welcomed the chance to provide feedback on the policy. “We encourage our members, along with the wider community, to make the most of this opportunity to have their say by completing the short survey,” the spokesperson said. Consultation on the new policy closes on Friday, September 19.