State and Federal Government planning guidelines demand that rigorous environmental, technical and planning assessments are conducted over several years to gather seasonal data before an application for a wind farm can be submitted.
Studies undertaken during the planning and environmental approval stages include:
- Visual and noise assessments
- Flora and fauna
- Cultural heritage
- Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)
- Hydrology assessments
- Bush fire
- Community and social assessments
- Grid connection assessments
- Traffic and transport engineering assessments
- Shadow flicker assessments
- Commercial feasibility assessments
Critical legislation governing the federal approval process is set out in the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Additionally, each state has their own planning and environmental impact assessment processes and legislation.
