Draft Wind farm state code consultation

Overview

The state government is preparing a wind farm development assessment code for incorporation in the State Development Assessment Provisions (SDAP) and to enable future wind farm proposals to be assessment by the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA).

The purpose of the code is to:

• facilitate the establishment of new wind farms or the expansion of existing wind farms in appropriate locations
• ensure wind farms avoid potential adverse impacts on the community and environment in the construction, operation and decommissioning  of wind farms.

How the code will apply

The Wind farm state code will apply to a development that comprises one or more wind turbines on the site, with a generation capacity of over 500 kilowatts.

The code will also apply to associated infrastructure and works such as site access (including internal roads), foundations, buildings and electrical works.

The Wind farm state code will be incorporated in due course in SDAP.

SDAP is a statutory instrument that sets out the matters of interest to the state for development assessment. SDAP is prescribed in the Sustainable Planning Regulation 2009 and contains the matters the chief executive may have regard to when assessing a development application.

The Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (SPA) states that the SARA manages SDAP. SARA will assess applications for wind farm development.

Have your say

The draft Wind farms state code will be available for public consultation until 13 May, 2014.  You can give your feedback on the draft state code by clicking on the survey link below.  

What happens next

After consultation has ended, all feedback will be considered.  The Wind farms state code and guideline is expected to be finalised and implemented in mid-2014.