By Abbas Nazil
Climate change poses a far greater threat to biodiversity than individual renewable energy projects in Australia, experts have asserted.
This is even as environmental groups raise concerns about the ecological impact of proposed developments in that country’s South-west Victoria.
The debate has intensified around a proposed wind farm near Nelson, as Australia accelerates its transition away from ageing coal-fired power stations toward renewable energy to secure future electricity supply.
Environmental organisations are opposing the Kentbruck Green Power Hub, arguing it could endanger sensitive ecosystems and threatened bird species found in the surrounding landscape.
The project is one of several large-scale renewable developments intended to help Victoria meet its target of sourcing 95 per cent of its electricity from renewable energy by 2035.
According to the Victorian Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action, at least 9.5 gigawatts of additional on-shore renewable capacity will be required over the next decade to reach that goal.
If approved, the Kentbruck project could involve the construction of up to 105 wind turbines, each reaching 270 metres in height, across an existing pine plantation west of Melbourne.
Project documents estimate the wind farm would generate around 600 megawatts of power, enough to supply electricity to approximately 400,000 homes.
The site was selected due to its strong and consistent wind resources and proximity to established grid infrastructure.
In late 2024, the Commonwealth government awarded the project capacity investment funding under a national underwriting scheme aimed at supporting renewable energy expansion.
The final decision on whether the project proceeds rests with Victorian Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny.
Opposition to the wind farm centres on its proximity to Long Swamp, an internationally significant Ramsar-listed wetland, as well as nearby national parks.
Environmental groups warn the turbines could pose collision risks to endangered species such as the Australasian bittern, the orange-bellied parrot, and the south-eastern red-tailed black cockatoo.
More than 200 public submissions were lodged during the consultation process, many citing gaps in data on bird movements and concerns over monitoring plans for wildlife deaths.
Campaigners argue that although the turbines would be placed in a pine plantation, the broader region is already heavily degraded due to historic land clearing.
Victoria is Australia’s most cleared state, with around 70 per cent of native vegetation already removed.
Critics say further fragmentation of remaining habitat could limit wildlife movement and increase risks to birds and bats.
Experts, however, say the environmental footprint of renewable energy projects is relatively small when compared with the long-term impacts of climate change.
Australian National University professor Frank Jotzo said climate change poses the greatest threat to biodiversity, agriculture, ecosystems, and the economy.
He argued that without wind and solar expansion, Australia would be forced to rely on new gas or coal-fired power stations at higher economic and environmental cost.
The Clean Energy Council also maintains that renewable energy development is essential to environmental protection and climate action.
Industry representatives say renewable energy companies increasingly prioritise environmental safeguards, even though perfect solutions are not always possible.
As governments weigh energy security against ecological protection, the decision on the Kentbruck wind farm highlights the complex trade-offs shaping Australia’s clean energy transition.