December 2022

Following the submission of the Environmental Effects Statement Referral in August, the Minister determined that the Watta Wella Renewable energy project does not require and EES, but that it will be subject to certain conditions. The conditions require RES to prepare an Environmental Report focusing on:

• Biodiversity impacts (birds and bats, native vegetation and waterways)

• Mitigation of biodiversity impacts

• Collative effects from existing wind farms in the region

The Environmental Report needs to be accepted by the Minister before a planning permit application can be made.

Following the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Referral, also lodged in August, the Minister determined that the Watta Wella Renewable Energy Project will require formal assessment and approval under the EPBC Act. The decision is based on the presence and potential impact on listed threatened species and communities or migratory species within the project area.

The EPBC act approval is required before a planning permit can be made.

Work is now underway to conduct further studies required to complete the Environmental Report before submitting a planning application in mid-2023.