Early studies & investigations
We have started surveys and studies to develop a preliminary design to minimise the project’s impact on the environment and the community.
Over the past four months, we have started:
- Ecological surveys (a total of eight seasons will be captured over two years):
– Birds and bats: we have started the Winter 2024 survey in early July by installing 80 recorders through the investigation area.
– Native vegetation: we commenced the Spring 2024 survey at the end of August, identifying sensitive areas to be avoided for project infrastructure placement. - Further studies critical to Neoen’s Environmental Impact Statement application and comprising First-Nations and cultural heritage, visual and noise impact assessment for nearby dwellings, potential impact on telecommunications links, bushfire risk assessment and mitigation, traffic management (including route to site to understand how to bring the project components) and aviation.
- A wind monitoring campaign design is underway, we hope to install four meteorological masts by early 2025. The masts will collect valuable wind data to ensure we achieve the most efficient wind farm design. Some masts will monitor bat activity at height and could be used to monitor bushfire risk, thanks to fire detection cameras. Mast locations will be confirmed through a Development Approval process managed by Snowy Valley Council.