AGL Energy Limited (AGL) today reaffirmed that the proposed Hallett 3 wind farm east of Mt Bryan would not present any threat to the circle of ancient Eucalyptus bicostata trees in the area.
AGL Group General Manager Gas and Power Development, Mike Moraza, said that AGL has been aware of the presence of the isolated community of trees at Mt Bryan for some time.
“AGL is already working with its own ecologists and the University of Tasmania to confirm the most suitable setback for future wind turbines. The company will be incorporating their feedback and any other appropriate measures in its planning application,” Mr Moraza said.
“We are proceeding with the necessary studies and environment assessments for the proposed Hallett 3 wind farm on the ranges east of Mt Bryan. To support our application for planning approval a comprehensive environmental impact statement is being produced.
“When it is completed, this document will include detailed studies from a range of specialists
including ecologists.
“AGL has a strong commitment to sustainable development and we will be including appropriate buffer zones and other measures to protect the Eucalyptus bicostata trees and any other significant trees or flora. These will be fully detailed in our environmental impact statement,” Mr Moraza said.
As part of the environmental impact statement process, we are also conducting consultation within the local community.
“We have invested significantly in South Australia and the company takes its responsibility as an active and contributing member of all local communities in which it has a presence very seriously.
“AGL is committed to a long-term sustainable presence in the mid-north of South Australia through the development and operation of our wind farms in the area. It is our considered view that on the whole the local community is supportive of our presence and the important role our wind assets being developed there will play in meeting Australia’s future renewable energy requirements,” Mr Moraza said.
AGL plans to submit the planning application to the Regional Council of Goyder in June/July 2008.
Further enquiries:
Media
Andrew Scannell, Head of Media
Direct: + 61 3 8633 6167
Mobile: + 61 (0) 407 290 658
e-mail: ascannell@agl.com.au
About AGL
AGL is one of Australia's leading integrated energy companies. Drawing on 170 years of experience, it includes retail and merchant energy businesses, power generation assets and an upstream gas portfolio. AGL has Australia's largest retail energy and dual fuel customer base. This includes customers supplied with gas and electricity through AGL's joint venture
partnership with ActewAGL. AGL has a diverse power generation portfolio including base, peaking and intermediate generation plants, spread across traditional thermal generation as well as renewable sources including hydro, wind, landfill gas and biomass. One of Australia’s largest renewable energy producers, AGL is looking to further expand this position by exploring a suite of low emission and renewable energy generation development opportunities.