An independent panel raised concerns that an updraught used by the eagles to soar aloft could place significant numbers of the birds on a course to be hit by turbine blades.
Victorian planning minister Rob Hulls also cited adverse environmental impacts for the refusal of the permit, as well as concerns it would be a visual blight for local residents.
“While the wedge-tailed eagle is not currently listed as threatened, it is numerically rare and could slip into the threatened category if levels decline further,” said Hulls.
“The risk to the species by this proposed development is unacceptably high. (The panel) said the wind energy facility proposed may potentially have a significant impact on the local population of wedge-tailed eagles, and so failed to provide for appropriate protection and conservation of the wedge-tailed eagle.”
According to developers Pacific Hydro, the Yaloak farm would have produced 115.5MW of electricity, enough to power 45,000 homes. The company has not decided whether to resubmit a planning application, but Hull has indicated a new application would be required to go through an independent environmental management assessment.
“The Government is absolutely committed to renewable energy, but wind farms do need to be correctly located and designed to deliver sustainable outcomes for our natural environment,” Hull said.
“We are committed to supporting well sited and well designed renewable energy projects to achieve a more sustainable future for Victoria.”
