Birds and Wildlife

Contrary to claims by EHN, the southern section of the Molonglo Ridge is covered in medium density, mature and revegetating woodland.

The developers are planning to "micro-site" turbines amongst this woodland, a move which will pose a great threat to both flora and fauna.

During construction of the turbines, roads and powerlines, mature habitat trees, like those from the south-west ridge pictured on this page, will be bulldozed. Turning circles capable of taking fully loaded semi-trailers will be gouged out of the landscape.

Pictured: South east ridge of the Molonglo Ridge. EHN are proposing to 'micro-site' nine turbines amongst this woodland, claiming there will be no disturbance to vegetation or wildlife during construction. [Click on image for enlarged view]. Photograph © K M Old.

Birds and wind turbines do not mix

The Molonglo Ridges and the surrounding areas are home to birds and other wildlife. Wedge-tailed eagles breed in the vicinity. The surrounding nature conservation areas provide habitat for Powerful Owls, Peregrine Falcons, White-bellied Sea Eagles, and other birds of prey and large water birds. These large, slow moving, or night flying birds are particularly vulnerable to spinning blades. The ranges are often shrouded in fog, increasing the risk of bird kills.

Wind farm proponents claim that bird kills are uncommon, insignificant, or only occur in overseas wind farms. However, The Warrnambool Standard reported that a Wedge-tailed Eagle was killed by a wind turbine blade in July 2005. The bird was found dead 40 metres from a turbine, killed by what scientist described as "a sharp instrument". Somewhat surprisingly, the wind farm spokesperson is calling for any observations so they can find out what happened to the bird of prey (should we draw them a picture?). Conveniently, the wind farm does not have any conditions attached to it about informing the Victorian Department of Sustainabilty and Environment about bird deaths. No wonder wind farm proponents can claim that there is little recorded information about bird and bat deaths at wind farms.

EHN have conducted their environmental studies during 2004-05, when a prolonged drought has seen normal bird numbers around the Googong Foreshores reduced. How can the impact of the windfarm on birds be properly assessed when EHN's baseline figures are skewed by the drought?

Pictured below: Mature habitat trees on the south west ridge of the Molonglo Ridges where EHN are proposing to 'micro-site' seven turbines amongst the trees. The fire scar on the large, mature tree in this picture indicates that the heart wood will be partially decayed and as branches are shed hollows develop that become homes for nesting birds and mammals. This particular tree borders one of the proposed turbine sites and would be subjected to significant distubance. It is typical of trees on the ridgeline. [Click on image for an enlarged view]. Photograph © K M Old.

A win for wildlife in Victoria

In July 2005, the Victorian State Government rejected a 70 turbine wind-plant at Yaloak, south of Ballan, because of the danger it would pose to wedge-tailed eagles who use the updraft from the ridges to soar and hunt. The wind-plant was also rejected due to the prominence of the ridgeline and the consequent impact on visual amenity.

Victorian Planning Minister, Rob Hulls, said "The Bracks Government is committed to supporting renewable energy in the right location to achieve a more sustainable future for Victoria. However, wind farms need to be properly located to deliver sustainable outcomes for our natural environment, landscapes and rural communities"

We couldn't have said it better ourselves!

Pictured below: A pair of Wedge-tailed Eagles soaring above the south west ridge of the Molonglo Ridge. This pair of Wedge-tailed Eagles' habitat and hunting grounds is amongst the wooded ridges around the Googong Dam. [Click on image for an enlarged view].

Last Updated: 13 December, 2008