Synergy Renewable Energy Developments Pty Ltd (SynergyRED) is advancing a significant renewable energy initiative with the proposed Scott River Wind Farm in Western Australia’s South West region.
The project entails the construction and operation of up to 20 wind turbines with a total generating capacity of up to 100 megawatts (MW).
The wind farm, located approximately 15 kilometres northeast of the town of Augusta, forms a key part of the state’s decarbonisation strategy aimed at expanding renewable energy assets as the government phases out coal-fired power stations by 2030.
The development will encompass a disturbance footprint of 107 hectares within a 3,597-hectare development envelope, including clearing no more than one hectare of remnant native vegetation.
Infrastructure to support the wind farm includes meteorological masts, communication towers, an operation and maintenance building, a substation, and transmission facilities.
The wind farm’s substation will connect to the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) via the existing 132 kV Beenup to Manjimup transmission line, ensuring that the clean energy generated feeds effectively into the regional grid.
SynergyRED has conducted extensive feasibility assessments exploring social, community, environmental, and technical factors surrounding the project.
Turbines are proposed to reach heights of up to 250 metres.
The project is expected to create approximately 150 jobs during construction and include a $100,000 annual Community Benefit Fund to support local initiatives.
The company has engaged with the community through drop-in sessions to share findings and gather input, reflecting a commitment to transparency and collaboration.
However, the wind farm proposal has been met with mixed reactions.
While a Synergy-conducted survey indicated that half of the respondents showed strong support for the project, one-third of participants expressed significant opposition.
Concerns raised by critics primarily involve potential impacts on local agriculture, landscape visual amenity, and tourism appeal.
Some local farmers who have agreed to host turbines have become focal points of community tensions, illustrating the challenge of balancing renewable energy development with local interests.
The proposal was formally referred to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) of Western Australia under section 38 of the Environmental Protection Act.
A public comment period recently closed after attracting 384 submissions.
The EPA is now reviewing the feedback and will determine whether a comprehensive environmental assessment is required before the project can proceed further.
For further details or to view the project’s environmental reports, interested parties can visit the EPA’s website.