UPDATE: Horsham Rural City Council (HRCC) is raising urgent concerns regarding the proposed Warracknabeal Energy Park, which could become the largest wind facility in Australia with 219 wind turbines planned just 5 km northwest of Warracknabeal. The Council’s recent submission to the Environment Effect Statement (EES) Inquiry highlights critical issues that could affect housing, workforce availability, and local infrastructure.
The Council’s move comes as the project is poised to transform the region, but officials warn of significant risks that could arise if these challenges are not addressed. Acting Mayor Brian Klowss emphasized the importance of proactive measures, stating, “Our Rural City plays a key role in servicing and accommodating these major projects, and their cumulative impact presents challenges for the municipality.”
One of the primary concerns is the impact on worker accommodation. The influx of construction workers for the Energy Park could exacerbate existing housing shortages, placing further strain on social and affordable housing in the community.
Additionally, the region faces a tight labour market with a limited pool of available workers. “If significant workforce shortages are not addressed, this could hinder growth potential across all industries in the region,” Klowss added.
The construction will also involve transporting turbine components via local roads, which raises questions about traffic management and road safety. Currently, these components are expected to be shipped from Portland, impacting both local and regional traffic flow.
This urgent situation calls for immediate attention from both state and federal governments. Council leaders are advocating for strategic investments to ensure that Horsham is prepared for this energy transition. Over 90 submissions from the public have already been lodged regarding this inquiry, indicating a high level of community engagement and concern.
As developments unfold, the Council’s endorsement of the submission will ensure that these pressing issues are adequately considered during the EES Inquiry. Residents and stakeholders are urged to stay informed and involved as the situation progresses.
With the potential for significant economic and social impacts, the community’s voice has never been more critical. The HRCC is committed to advocating for local solutions that address the needs of all residents as the region navigates this major renewable energy initiative.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
