A significant renewable energy project, the Whaleback Ridge wind farm, is currently under federal environmental assessment, proposing the construction of up to 280 turbines on public land near Zeehan on Tasmania’s west coast. The proposal, brought to light by ABC News, is being presented as a major economic opportunity for the state but is also raising concerns among environmental groups regarding its potential impact on native wildlife.
Westcoast Renewable Energy Pty Ltd is the proponent behind the Whaleback Ridge Renewable Energy Project. Reports from Renew Economy indicate that the project, if fully realised, could become Tasmania’s largest renewable energy initiative, aiming to contribute significantly to the state’s target of achieving 200 per cent renewable energy by 2040. The project is envisioned as a phased development, with the initial stage potentially involving between 288 and 432 megawatts of capacity. Each turbine is proposed to have a generating capacity of up to 10 megawatts, with a hub height of up to 180 metres and a maximum tip height of up to 250 metres, making them among the most powerful in Australia.
The Tasmanian Planning Commission notes that the proposal was declared a major project under the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993 on March 6, 2024. This declaration triggers a comprehensive assessment process, including public consultation, with a final decision on the project not anticipated before June 2026. Earlier plans for the Whaleback Ridge project had suggested up to 500 turbines, but the current federal assessment focuses on a scaled-back proposal of up to 280 turbines.
While proponents highlight the economic benefits and the role the wind farm could play in Tasmania’s renewable energy future, conservation groups have voiced significant apprehension. The Bob Brown Foundation, for instance, has expressed concerns about the proposed location, which includes areas nominated for the Tarkine National Heritage Listing. This wilderness region is celebrated for its rich biodiversity and is known habitat for species such as the EPBC-listed blue-winged parrot. Environmental advocates fear the large-scale development could disturb critical habitats and impact the delicate ecosystems of the west coast.
The project’s progression through federal environmental assessment will involve rigorous evaluation of its complex economic, environmental, and social impacts. The community will have opportunities to provide feedback as part of this assessment process.
Readers can find more details in the original ABC News report: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-14/proposed-tasmanian-wind-farm-whaleback-ridge/107134730