We are multiple groups across regional Australia, agriculture, industry and conservation, and we applaud the outcome of the Cattle Hill Wind Farm investing in protecting nature.
Cattle Hill Wind Farm has invested in cameras and artificial intelligence to stop wind farm blades spinning when eagles are approaching turbines. The company says no strikes have occurred since the wind farm erected an extra 30 metre tower hosting the IdentiFlight camera and technology last May, some 15 months ago. Environmental laws required the installation of the initial system three years ago.
This is the standard we need to see: genuine effort and investment from renewable energy companies in looking after nature. We know there are other methods which have reduced bird strikes overseas, such as painting one wind turbine blade black. Let's support trialling these solutions locally, with Governments at a state and federal level working alongside clean energy companies. They can also look after nature by amplifying feral cat control around their sites and refurbishing brolga nesting sites, for example.
Immediate reform to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC) should standardise technology solutions like IdentiFlight where appropriate. Updated and robust nature laws that include the use of such technologies will ensure all projects are being efficiently assessed under nature positive benchmarks.
Renewables done right are the key for shifting our energy consumption off climate-polluting fossil fuels like coal and gas. Renewables done right means being good for nature, good for communities and good for farmers.
RE-Alliance
Farmers for Climate Action
Australian Conservation Foundation
Smart Energy Council
