Cellars Hill Wind Farm scores Major Project status

Wind turbines at sunset with orange clouds over blue sky (ark wooroora)
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The Tasmanian Government has declared the Cellars Hill Wind Farm a Major Project under its landmark major project legislation, also announcing changes that will get renewable energy projects out of the ground faster.

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Developed by Alternate Path, the $1.5 billion Cellars Hill Wind Farm’s declaration as a Major Project will see it assessed by an independent expert panel, appointed by the Tasmanian Planning Commission, along with relevant statutory regulators.

Tasmanian Minister for Energy and Renewables Nick Duigan said, “We want to see more projects getting off the ground sooner, this change will allow more large renewable energy projects like Cellars Hill to automatically become eligible for Major Project assessment, should proponents choose that path.

“We are absolutely committed to enabling job-creating developments like Cellars Hill, ensuring we generate the energy we need, and grow the economy.”

Alternate Path director Andrew Clark said the project was being driven by multi-generational landowners with community in mind.

“The project is being led by multi-generational farmers and includes a proposal for a $1,000 per annum energy subsidy per household/business within Bothwell and within 12km of a turbine, paid for the life of the project,” he said.

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“We thank the Tasmanian Government for making this declaration and look forward to Cellars Hill Wind Farm contributing towards the Tasmanian Renewable Energy Target of 200% renewable energy by 2040.”

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