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Bonney Downs Wind Farm Environmental Review Document

Abstract

Pilbara Energy (Generation) Pty Ltd (PEG), a wholly owned subsidiary of Fortescue Limited (Fortescue), is proposing to develop the Bonney Downs Wind Farm, comprising a wind farm and associated supporting infrastructure (the Proposal). The Proposal is located approximately 9 km southwest of Nullagine (at the northern extent of the Proposal). The southern edge of the Proposal is adjacent to Fortescue’s Christmas Creek Iron Ore Mine Expansion project (as per the Development Envelope approved by Ministerial Statement (MS) 1033).

The Proposal will involve the installation of up to 100 wind turbines and associated infrastructure, with a target installed renewable energy capacity of approximately 2.1 Gigawatts (GW). The Proposal will connect with the Nullagine Pilot Wind Farm to link into the wider Fortescue Integrated Power Network. The Proposal includes a Development Envelope (DE) of 89,973.86 ha within which an Indicative Disturbance Footprint (IDF) of 944.07 ha is anticipated.

Background and Context 

The purpose of this Environmental Review Document (ERD) is to present an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the Proposal to support the referral of the Proposal to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) under section 38 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act). This ERD has been prepared in accordance with the EPA’s ‘Instructions on how to prepare an Environmental Review Document’ (EPA, 2024a) and is based on project and study information available at the time of writing.

Appendix B Environmental Management Plan

Appendix C Ground Disturbance and Topsoil Management

Appendix E Weed Management Plan

Appendix I Bird and Bat Adaptive Management Plan

Appendix J Bird and Bat Management Plan science for wind energy developments

Appendix K Bird and Bat Management Plan science for wind energy developments

Appendix L Culturally Significant Plants and Animals

Appendix N Bonney Downs Wind Farm Noise Assessment

Appendix O Bonney Downs Fauna Noise Impact Study

Appendix P Bonney Downs Wind Generation Hub Visual Impact Assessment