Protection for endangered species and habitats

 

Set in a wild location of panoramic sea views, sheep grazing and exotic wildlife, the Woolnorth wind farm, on the north-west tip of the island of Tasmania, is exposed to the full force of the famous Roaring Forties winds. Records at the nearby Cape Grim show that the air is among the purest to be found anywhere on earth.

 

Many unusual species inhabit the region. Among them is the Orange-bellied Parrot, a dazzling green and blue bird with its distinctive orange belly patch. The area is also frequented by Wedge-tailed Eagles.
Before construction started, extensive field surveys were undertaken to assess any potential impacts to the flora and fauna, sites of Aboriginal and European cultural significance around the wind farm and the diverse populations of bird species.

 
The developers of the Woolnorth wind farm have supported the conservation and management of the Orange-bellied Parrot through a trust fund which has undertaken the planting of roosting trees and contributed to a research programme looking at the effects of grazing on the bird’s habitat.

 
Over the past few years, in conjunction with both regulators and wildlife experts, the company has also undertaken a comprehensive management regime aimed at minimising the risk of Wedge-tailed Eagle collisions with wind turbines. This has included a broader strategy focused on maintaining the conservation status of the eagles, including the protection of nest sites throughout Tasmania.

 
At Woolnorth itself, the wind farm operators continue to manage food resources around the turbines in order to limit their attractiveness to foraging eagles. A series of studies is looking at a range of issues, including the breeding success of eagles close to and distant from the wind farm, their behaviour around the turbines and how the birds make use of the site under different weather conditions.