Development Application - Flat Rocks Wind Farm, Shires of Kojonup and Broomehill-Tambellup
Overview
The development application proposes a wind farm with 18 turbines, a permanent substation, an operations and maintenance building and incidental infrastructure. (image: Artist impression only)
Address: Multiple lots in Broomehill West, Lumeah and Borderdale
Local Governments: Shires of Kojonup and Broomehill-Tambellup
Value: $200m
Great Southern residents: Department planners will be available in Kojonup and Tambellup on May 16 and 17 to answer questions about this development application and the Part 17 significant development assessment process. For details and to make an appointment, please use the registration form.
Key information:
- Flat Rocks - DA Report Summary
- Applicant Development Approval Shire of Kojonup - Appendix A
- Applicant Development Approval Shire of Broomehill-Tambellup - Appendix B
- Applicant Proposed Development Plans and Management Plans - Appendix C
- Applicant Noise Impact Assessment Report - Appendix D
- Applicant Shadow Flicker and Blade Glint Assessment - Appendix E
- Applicant Review of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment - Appendix F
- Applicant Environmental Protection Authority S39A Decision - Appendix G
- Applicant Environmental Protection Authority S38F 3rd Party Referral Decision - Appendix H
- Applicant Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment Referral Decision - Appendix I
- Applicant Environmental Impact Report - Appendix J
- Applicant Zone of Influence Maps Advisory - Appendix K
- Applicant Airspace Assessment - Appendix L
- Applicant Ethnographic Survey - Appendix M
More information
Why has a new development application been lodged with the Western Australian Planning
Commission for the Flat Rocks Wind Farm when the development has already been approved?
The application has been lodged under Part 17 of the Planning and Development Act 2005 (PD Act), which established the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) as the decision-making authority for significant development applications to support the State’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Applicants have advised they are seeking approval from the WAPC on the basis that “the project spans a large area which is under the jurisdiction of two local governments. Recent difficulties with the coordination of approvals and the clearance of conditions have justified the need to obtain one approval that is overseen (including clearance of conditions) by one agency being the WAPC. This negates any divergence in administrative processes between the Shire of Kojonup and that of the Regional Joint Development Assessment Panel as the decision maker in the case of the Shire of Broomehill-Tambellup”.
Find out more about the pathway on the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage website.
The Applicants have advised they are seeking approval from the WAPC on the basis that “the project spans a large area which is under the jurisdiction of two local governments. Recent difficulties with the coordination of approvals and the clearance of conditions have justified the need to obtain one approval that is overseen (including clearance of conditions) by one agency being the WAPC. This negates any divergence in administrative processes between the Shire of Kojonup and that of the Regional Joint Development Assessment Panel as the decision maker in the case of the Shire of Broomehill-Tambellup”.
Find out more about the pathway on the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage website.
Are there any changes to the location or design of any wind turbine infrastructure in the Part 17 application compared with the existing approved Flat Rocks Wind Farm?
No changes are proposed to the location or size of any wind turbines from those previously approved. There are also no changes to the location of the turbine infrastructure, including the maintenance building and substation.
Is this development application being assessed as a new proposal?
Yes, the proposed Flat Rocks Wind Farm will be assessed as a new development application. This includes a rigorous assessment by the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (Department), including extensive public consultation and referrals to relevant stakeholders such as the shires of Kojonup and Broomehill- Tambellup, the Health Department of Western Australia, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.
Read more about consultation in the significant development pathway FAQs.
Read more about consultation in the significant development pathway FAQs.
How is the Development Application assessed and who makes a decision about whether it will be approved?
The Department will prepare a report for the WAPC on the outcomes of consultation and an assessment of the Development Application. This assessment will consider the potential impact of the development on such matters as visual amenity, noise, the environment, public health, bushfire management as well as any sites of Aboriginal heritage significance. The report will either recommend that the application be approved with conditions or that it be refused.
A meeting for the WAPC to determine the Development Application will then be scheduled. Once a meeting date is confirmed, any person who made a submission on the Application will be advised and can attend the meeting in person or virtually via Zoom. They can also apply to make a presentation (deputation) to the WAPC. There are no timeframes to determine an application.
What is the status of the existing approvals for the Flat Rocks Wind Farm?
The proposed development has multiple existing development approvals, which have been granted by the relevant local government or Joint Development Assessment Panel. Project construction has commenced under these approvals, with the civil works component now underway.
These existing development approvals will remain valid and works can continue, provided that they are in accordance with the existing approvals.
These existing development approvals will remain valid and works can continue, provided that they are in accordance with the existing approvals.
How do I make a submission if I cannot do so using the Department’s online Consultation Hub platform?
The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage strongly encourages interested parties to lodge a submission through the Consultation Hub to ensure it is received and properly recorded. You do not have to create an account to make an online submission, you can add attachments to your submission and your submission is confidential. If you have digital access issues that prevents you from making a submission via the Consultation Hub, please contact the Department on 6551 9450 for assistance. You can also post your written submission to: Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, State Development Assessment Unit, Locked Bag 2506, Perth WA 6001.
I made a submission to the Shire of Kojonup and/or Shire of Broomehill-Tambellup on previously advertised proposals for the Flat Rocks Wind Farm. Do I need to make another submission?
Yes, you will need to make a new submission. Submissions that have been made on previous wind farm applications to the shires of Kojonup or Broomehill-Tambellup are unable to be considered by the WAPC. However, making a submission through the Department’s online Consultation Hub is easy and using the online form will ensure submissions are received and are valid. See previous question for more information.
Will my submission or personal details be released to the public?
No. The key matters arising from public consultation will be summarised in the report to the WAPC, however individual names and addresses will not be published. A separate schedule of public submissions, outlining the submissions in full, will be provided to WAPC members as a confidential item.
When will this application be determined?
There are no timeframes under the temporary Part 17 significant development assessment pathway for the WAPC to determine an application.
Once a meeting date is confirmed, everyone who made a submission and provided an email address will be notified. People can attend the meeting in person or virtually via Zoom and also can apply to be considered to make a presentation to the WAPC.
Once a meeting date is confirmed, everyone who made a submission and provided an email address will be notified. People can attend the meeting in person or virtually via Zoom and also can apply to be considered to make a presentation to the WAPC.
Where can I get more information?
While public advertising is open, the Development Application can be viewed online at www.consultation.dplh.wa.gov.au or in person at the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, Level 2, 140 William Street, Perth (by appointment) or at the shires of Kojonup and Broomehill-Tambellup administration centres. Please contact SDAUconsultation@dplh.wa.gov.au or 6551 9450 for an appointment, or if you have any queries.
Department planners will also be available at the shire of Kojonup and Broomehill- Tambellup administration centres from 16 to 17 May 2023 to answer questions about this development application and the Part 17 significant development assessment process. To make an appointment, please use the registration form.
Department planners will also be available at the shire of Kojonup and Broomehill- Tambellup administration centres from 16 to 17 May 2023 to answer questions about this development application and the Part 17 significant development assessment process. To make an appointment, please use the registration form.
When does the consultation period close?
Submissions will be accepted until 11.59pm on 2 June 2023.
Have your say on this development application
Areas
- WA state-wide
Audiences
- Residents
- Business Operators
- Land Owners
- Community Organisations
Interests
- Strategic metropolitan planning
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