A new wind farm development on Robbins Island in northwest Tasmania has been officially approved by Senator the Hon Murray Watt, Minister for the Environment and Water, under national environment law, with a suite of stringent environmental conditions attached to safeguard protected species and ecosystems.
The project is a significant step in Australia’s renewable energy transition, projected to generate enough electricity to power 422,000 homes and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 3.4 million tonnes annually — equivalent to removing over 1 million cars from the road each year.
The approved development includes up to 100 wind turbines and associated infrastructure, such as a bridge linking Robbins Island to mainland Tasmania, a wharf, and four quarries.
The decision follows an extensive assessment process incorporating expert scientific advice and prior approvals from the Tasmanian government.
To protect nationally threatened species, including the critically endangered Orange-bellied Parrot, Tasmanian Devil, Tasmanian Wedge-tailed Eagle, and migratory shorebirds, the Australian government has imposed comprehensive additional conditions beyond the state’s requirements.
These include mandatory three-year pre-construction surveys focusing on the Orange-bellied Parrot to better understand its habitat use and flight patterns, and ongoing funding support for the Tasmania Department of Natural Resources and Environment’s conservation program aimed at rebuilding the parrot’s population.
Further environmental safeguards include development and implementation of a Bird and Bat Management Plan to mitigate turbine collision risks, featuring adaptive management protocols such as turbine curtailment or shutdown if necessary.
To prevent the spread of Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD), physical barriers will be installed to stop Tasmanian Devils from the mainland accessing the island, coupled with a dedicated DFTD Prevention and Monitoring Program across 1,164 hectares of secured habitat.
Additionally, to protect Tasmanian Wedge-tailed Eagles nesting on Robbins Island, no turbines or related infrastructure will be allowed within 1km of eagle nests, complemented by a monitoring and management plan to detect and address any potential impacts on the species.
The project is anticipated to commence construction in 2031, creating up to 350 direct jobs during building and around 50 ongoing operational roles, underlining its economic as well as environmental significance.
Senator Watt emphasised that the rigorous approval process and strong environmental conditions guarantee the project will proceed responsibly, balancing a vital renewable energy boost with thorough protection of Tasmania’s unique wildlife.
