Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Summary of Panel Session
A major aim of the conference was to provide a forum for constructive discussion
about wind energy and wildlife interactions. A Panel Session was held with the
aim of providing all conference participants with an opportunity to refl ect on the
presentations and on their own experiences of wind farm planning and operations.
The conversation focussed on the strengths and weaknesses of current wind farm
planning processes, policies and operations. Themes included: improving pre- and
post-construction survey design; identifying key knowledge gaps and research pri-
orities; uncertainties and errors in data sets and analysis; creating opportunities to
share knowledge; and assessing cumulative impacts across multiple sites.
The panel comprised:
Tim Power (TP: Herbert Smith Freehills) - Panel Chair;
Tanya Loos, (TL: Regional Victoria);
Jenny Lau (JL: BirdLife Australia);
Nick Wimbush (NW: Planning Panels Victoria);
Chris Sims (CS: Hydro Tasmania);
Stuart Parson (SP: University of Auckland); and
Ian Smales (IS: Biosis).
The following paraphrases key comments and responses from each panel
member.
Panel members' initial thoughts
JL
I deal with many public enquiries, particularly about the impact of wind farms on
wedge-tailed eagles. In the majority of cases we (BirdLife Australia) have minor
concerns about their potential impacts. There have been a small number of wind
farms where we've had major concerns.
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