The Nationals WA have joined with Augusta residents to raise concerns about the lack of
transparency and community consultation surrounding Synergy’s proposed 30-turbine wind farm in
the Scott River region.
More than 50 concerned residents turned out to a community forum in Augusta this week to voice
their frustrations at the project.
Leader of The Nationals WA Shane Love criticised both the Cook Labor Government and Synergy for
their failure to adequately consult with local residents, landowners and farmers impacted by the
project.
“Synergy’s consultation on this project has been woefully inadequate, and the Cook Labor
Government is setting a very poor example for future renewable projects,” Mr Love said.
“Landowners were approached about hosting this project as early as November 2022, yet two years
later, many nearby residents, including those directly affected, are only now finding out about it.”
Mr Love was recently briefed by the office of the Minister for Energy and Synergy around the Scott
River Project.
Nationals candidate for Warren-Blackwood, Bevan Eatts, echoed these concerns, stating that the
secrecy and lack of transparency around the project were becoming divisive in the community.
“Landowners have been pressured into signing confidentiality agreements that prevent them from
sharing details about the project or raising concerns,” Mr Eatts said.
“One resident even described feeling ‘hoodwinked and deceived’ by Synergy, having been pressured
into signing agreements without fully understanding the impacts.”
Mr Eatts revealed the project had grown significantly, from an initial 16 turbines to 30 turbines, with
the proposed turbines standing 250 metres tall – making them some of the largest in the world.
“These turbines will be as tall as the tallest building in the Perth CBD, and yet residents have been
given little to no information about the long-term impacts on their land of lifestyle,” Mr Eatts said.
Concerns over the ecological impact of the project have also been raised, as the Scott River
catchment is home to 26 species of fauna classified as threatened or under protection, including the
endangered Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo.
“These environmental concerns are being overlooked in the rush to push through renewable energy
projects without sufficient policies or guidelines,” Mr Eatts said.
Local landowner and cattle farmer, Scott Baxter, who spoke at the forum, criticised Synergy’s lack of
transparency.
“Synergy has refused to provide critical information on the noise, disturbance, and potential impact on
land values, leaving us unable to make informed decisions about our businesses and lifestyle,” Mr
Baxter said.
“The deliberate lack of transparency feels unethical.”
The Nationals WA reiterated their commitment to implementing a State Policy Framework for
renewable energy projects, ensuring that local communities are fully informed, properly consulted,
and directly benefit from future developments.
