DAP Application - Proposed wind farm in Scott River


Happening now

We’re asking the community for feedback on Synergy’s proposed wind farm in Scott River.

Please complete the survey at the bottom of this page. Consultation will close on Friday, 19 December at 4pm.


Background

The Shire has received a development application from Synergy Renewable Energy Developments Pty Ltd (SynergyRED) to be assessed through the DAP pathway. Find out more about what the DAP pathway is here.


SynergyRED is proposing to develop an onshore Wind Farm in the Scott River area, approximately 15 km north-east of Augusta. The project forms part of an initiative by SynergyRED to explore, scope and develop a range of renewable energy assets across WA, to meet the WA State Government’s 2030 decarbonisation targets. Once operational, the Project would generate up to 100MW which could power up to 100,000 average WA homes per year.


The project is proposed to include up to 20 wind turbine generators (WTGs) with supporting infrastructure. The Project will connect into the South-West Interconnected System (SWIS) via the existing Beenup to Manjimup 132 kV transmission line which passes through the Development Envelope.


The exact specifications of the WTGs, including the make, model and size, as well as the specific location of infrastructure, will need to be confirmed through a procurement process, undertaking further design, and appointing contractors.


On this basis, this Development Application seeks approval for the ‘maximum case scenario’ in terms of level of impact. The relevant technical studies that have informed this Project, appended to this report, have all been based on this ‘maximum case scenario’.


If you wish to comment on the proposal, please complete the online Submission Form. If you would like a hard copy of the submission form, please email spdplanning@amrshire.wa.gov.au, telephone (08) 9780 5220, to request a copy, or visit the Augusta Shire Offices during normal office hours. The information on this page will also be displayed in the Augusta Shire Office for the duration of the consultation.


Included with this application is the Urbis Development Application Report and all associated attachments and appendices.


For a brief overview of the proposal, there are the following attachments


The key Project details are summarised in the table below:

Site Area

The Development Envelope encompasses 12 freehold lots and part of a Crown reserve, with a total area of approximately 3,597ha, including various road reserves to support transport
and access of components to the Site.


Within this total Development Envelope, the Indicative Layout comprises a maximum of 107ha comprising WTGs, pads and associated infrastructure, and site access points.

Existing
Development

Primarily cleared agricultural land (including tree plantations) with some isolated remnant pockets of native vegetation.

Indicative Development
Envelope and Layout

Exact WTG locations and numbers (up to 20 WTGs) to deliver up to 100MW of power will be determined during the Procurement/Contracting Phase (refer Figure 4).

WTG Number

Maximum of 20 WTGs

WTG Design

Three bladed, horizontal axis WTGs as illustrated in Figure 6 and Figure 7

WTG Size

▪ Maximum blade length: 90 m
▪ Maximum tower height: 164 m
▪ Maximum overall WTG tip-height: 250 m
▪ Minimum blade ground clearance: 40 m

Power Output

Up to 100MW

Potential WTG
Rotation Speed

Typical rotation speed for a modern WTG is approximately 4-12 rotations per minute
(dependent upon the wind speed and WTG specifications).

WTG Colour

The WTGs will have non-reflective paint to prevent glint, reduce contrast with background sky and minimise reflection, but remain visible for aircraft. The WTG will be uniform in colour and will not contain any prominent company logo or branding.

Access Roads &
Site Entrances

Two (2) main site entrances via Scott River Road on the western boundary of the Development Envelope. A third site entrance will also be installed across Governor Broome Road to facilitate transport of turbine components south of Governor Broome Road.
Wherever practical, existing tracks within the Project Site will be used.

Ancillary
Features

The Project Includes:

  • Concrete foundations installed up to maximum depth of 5.0m below ground in existing cleared farmland
  • Up to two (2) permanent and four (4) temporary wind monitoring (met mast) towers up to 164m tall
  • Up to two (2) communications towers up to 100m tall
  • One (1) new 132kV electrical substation and switchyard
  • One (1) permanent site office, workshop and maintenance building/warehouse with associated lunchroom, amenities and bathrooms including septic systems (Operations and Maintenance building) (O&M building)
  • Approximately 30km of gravel capped access road
  • Installation and/or upgrade of gates and fences, as required
  • A 4.3km transmission line connecting the Wind Farm substation to the existing Beenup to Manjimup 132kV transmission line via a local tee connection
  • Approximately 30km of 33kV cables connecting the substation to each WTG, with underground cables preferred unless ground conditions require overhead conductors
  • Temporary laydown and stockpile areas
  • Temporary construction compounds
  • Temporary concrete batching plants and storage facility
  • Water storage tanks and dams
  • Borrow pits

Extent of
Clearing

Minor clearing (maximum 1 ha) of native vegetation required.

Project
Timeframes

▪ Construction phase – approximately 18-24 months
▪ Operations phase – approximately 30 to 60 years
▪ Decommissioning phase – approximately 24 months

Expected
Number of
Employees

Up to 150 Employees during peak Construction Phase, and up to five (5) Employees
(Operational Staff) following construction and commissioning.


Submission form