28/09/2025
Synergy is poised to lodge a formal application to build a contentious wind farm in Scott River and nearby residents are urging others to stand with them in opposing the project.
A spokesperson for the utility this week said plans to lodge formal applications were detailed to residents as part of open forums to discuss the wind farm feasibility study earlier this month.
“Synergy will be referring the proposed wind farm to the Environmental Protection Authority and to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, as well as submitting a development approval application to the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River and Regional Development Assessment Panel,” they said. “Public comment periods will be advertised via the respective authorities.”
As part of the feasibility study, Synergy had completed wide-ranging assessments including Aboriginal heritage, flora and vegetation, electromagnetic interference, social values, environmental impacts and bushfire management.
Wind farm opponent and Scott River farmer Scott Baxter was already highly critical of the project and argued late-in-the-day efforts by the shire to put together a renewable energy policy to help prepare for the joint assessment were deeply flawed.
On behalf of wind farm opponents, he lodged a petition with more than 1300 signatures this week as well as feedback on the shire’s proposed policy and its issues and options paper which he argued was too narrow to cover the complex issue.
“The (Synergy) sessions offered no actual consultation, new information or clarity,” Mr Baxter told the Times.
“Local residents’ concerns about acid-sulphate soils, noise and infrasound, ecological impacts, property values, and compensation remain unanswered.
“The mood across the meetings was one of mounting frustration: glossy presentations, but no substantive responses. It’s how they do business.”
The farmer said strong and consistent feedback from Augusta, Molloy Island and surrounds was for Synergy to withdraw the project.
“Outside the project boundary, residents are excluded from any benefit while carrying all the risk,” he said.