Environment & Approvals

In NSW, wind farm projects are assessed through a structured planning and approvals process overseen by the NSW Government. EDFA intends to ensure there are many opportunities for community input throughout the process.

‍

The first step is the preparation of a Scoping Report, which outlines the proposed project and identifies key issues for consideration. Based on this, the Department issues Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs), setting out the studies that must be undertaken.

‍

The proponent then prepares a detailed Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which assesses the project’s potential impacts and how they would be avoided, minimised or managed. An EIS typically includes specialist studies covering topics such as noise and vibration, visual and landscape impacts, biodiversity, Aboriginal cultural heritage and non-Aboriginal heritage, traffic and transport, road impacts, aviation and telecommunications, hydrology and soils, bushfire, social and economic impacts, and construction and operational management.

‍

The EIS is publicly exhibited, allowing the community to provide feedback before the EIS is considered by the NSW Government for a planning approval.