Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Education and Training) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to provide additional information to Senator Lazarus in relation to his question regarding the Mount Emerald wind farm. I can confirm for Senator Lazarus that the Mount Emerald wind farm project was referred to the Department of the Environment for assessment under the EPBC Act in December 2011. The project was determined to be a controlled action, with the relevant controlling provisions being listed threatened species and ecological communities, listed migratory species, World Heritage properties and Natural Heritage places. An environmental impact statement was only concluded and provided for the project and exhibited for public comment, though, in May 2014. The Department of the Environment, having analysed both the EIS and the comments provided to the EIS, has sought further information from the proponent regarding potential impacts of the Mount Emerald wind farm on the northern quoll. Once this information is received, the assessment will progress and a decision regarding approval of the project will be made in accordance with the requirements of the EPBC Act. I assure Senator Lazarus that neither any more nor any less consideration of the impact on the northern quoll of the Mount Emerald wind farm will be accorded than was accorded to the impact on the ornamental snake and the yakka skink in relation to the Carmichael coalmine or to any other listed species that is considered in relation to any other controlled action.

Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Human Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Deputy President, Senator Wong has taken offence to a remark I made inaudibly in the chamber. I withdraw it.