Libby Mettam urges caution amid Synergy consultation claims on Scott River wind farm proposal

WA Liberal leader Libby Mettam has reported growing concerns among landowners in the Scott River region affected by a proposed Synergy wind farm project.

The Vasse MLA told the Times she had been approached by farmers worried about the lack of detail in the utility’s consultation around the project amid concerns the wind farm could get the go-ahead despite opposition.

Among those was outspoken critic Scott Baxter who was already on record saying too few details were forthcoming despite a slew of recent community information sessions.

“Scott and his family have a right to full information,” Ms Mettam said.

“This project has the potential to have a huge impact on his family and the wider community.

“This lack of transparency is not good enough and the WA Cook Labor Government need to intervene to ensure that members of the community are provided with the full information they are seeking.”

Mr Baxter wasn’t the only one who had flagged worries and the Liberal leader said their dissatisfaction with the engagement process was obvious.

However, Synergy, as well as a spokesperson on behalf of the State Government, said residents needed to calm the farm because it was only a proposal at present.

“Synergy’s proposal to build a wind farm in the Scott River area is exactly that — a proposal,” the State Government response said.

“As is the case with every major development, community engagement will be a necessary part of assessing its feasibility.

“That process is ongoing, with Augusta, Margaret River and Hamelin Bay residents given the opportunity in mid-March to attend drop-in information sessions,” they said.

“Synergy is yet to determine whether the project is financially or physically viable and has not conducted any site surveys nor obtained development approvals.”

Mr Baxter said landowners couldn’t be expected to make costly decisions based on so little information.

“It has become apparent that not all neighbouring landowners have been contacted about the project and it is starting to cause some anxiety and stress with landowners reaching out to me directly asking questions,” the farmer said.

“I am concerned that neighbouring landowners aren’t being given a fair go from the developer.”

Synergy’s consultation team had struck him as “well versed on avoiding any conversation about human health and wind turbines”.

Synergy itself told the Times the Scott River area was just one potential site.

“The investigation is still in its very early stages of feasibility,” the energy provider said.

“Synergy has been engaged in continual consultation with landowners in the Scott River region while undertaking these studies.”

Those studies were still to determine specifics around the scale of the proposed wind farm, currently based on a maximum of 30 turbines, Synergy said.

“When constructing any wind farm, the size, capacity and number of wind turbines is subject to many factors, including the outcomes of network, environmental, noise and geotechnical studies, as well as turbine procurement and land availability,” the spokesperson said.

“All wind farm developments undergo a rigorous environmental impact assessment and approval process before being considered as viable projects.”

Another Synergy project was in development near Hyden in the Wheatbelt, they said.