Monday, August 12, 2013

BADGINGARRA WIND FARM - BADGINGARRA LOCALITY

9.4.2 REQUEST TO AMEND APPROVAL CONDITIONS - BADGINGARRA WIND FARM - BADGINGARRA LOCALITY
Location:              Lot 3850, 3755, 51, 3745, 3704, 50, 3747, 3754, 3753, 3748, 1651, 3774, 3742, 3743, 3744, 3738, 3739
Applicant:             APA Group
Folder Path:       Development Services App / Development Application / 2013 / Badgingarra Wind Farm
Disclosure of Interest:  None
Date:                19 March 2013
Author:           Rob Casella, Planning Officer
Signature of Author:
Senior Officer:          David Chidlow, Manager of Planning
Signature of Senior Officer:


PROPOSAL
The applicant seeks an amendment to the original planning approval granted at its meeting on the 12 December 2008. The cause for the amendment is due to the change in selection of wind turbines and the associated heights of the new technology in wind energy.
BACKGROUND
In December 2008, Griffin Windfarm 2 Pty Ltd and Wind Portfolio Pty Ltd was granted conditional approval for two (2) years for the development of 43 ¡V 65 wind turbines to generate a maximum of up to 130MW (depending on the final choice of turbine size and manufacturer).
Since then, the project has been granted an extension to planning approval for a period of two (2) years, on two occasions, resulting in a current planning approval expiring 19 December 2014.
The project has since changed ownership to APA Group.
The current planning approval from the 2008 Agenda is as follows:
That planning approval be granted to Griffin Wind-farm 2 Pty Ltd and Wind Portfolio Pty Ltd for the establishment of the Badgingarra Wind Farm subject to:
1. The proponents shall (prior to the erection of wind turbine generators) provide notification to the RAAF Aeronautical Service of the location and height details of the wind turbine generators;
2. The proponents shall (prior to the erection of the wind turbine generators) provide notification to Air Services Australia of the location and height details of the wind turbine generators;
3. The proponents shall (prior to the erection of wind turbine generators) provide notification to CASA of the location and height details of the wind turbine generators;
4. The access points onto the subject land and any road works shall be located and constructed to the satisfaction of the Manager of Technical Services and Works and include all necessary drainage and signage. Costs applicable to the construction of the access points onto the site and any related issues shall be borne by the proponents;
5. Access to the proposed development will only be allowed along Cadda Road and Yerramullah Road. The proponents will be required to undertake routine maintenance works on Cadda Road (from the Brand Highway to Munbinea Road) and Yerramullah Road (from Cantabilling Road to the intersection with Bibby Road) for the duration of the construction phase. The cost of the routine maintenance will be determined on a shared basis with the Shire (to be agreed prior to the commencement of the project based upon forecast traffic volumes). Any costs associated with required upgrades needed before development of the Wind Farm occurs shall be to the satisfaction of the Manager Technical Services and Works and be at the cost of the proponents.
6. The proponents in conjunction with the Shire of Dandaragan shall commission a Road Condition Report prepared by a recognised engineer (agreed to by both parties) prior to the commencement of the project. The Road Condition Report shall, at least but not be limited to, identifying the following issues;
a) Suitability of the existing pavement strength (in wet and dry conditions) to cater for the proposed haulage loads and traffic volumes;
b) Suitability of the existing horizontal and vertical alignments to cater for the proposed haulage loads and traffic volumes; and
c) Identify and provide plans and costings for any required upgrade works to the existing road network to make it suitable for the proposed haulage loads and traffic volumes.
The costs associated with the preparation of the Road Condition Report and any road works identified in the Road Condition Report shall be undertaken at the cost of the proponents prior to any works commencing onsite.
7. The Shire of Dandaragan requires Cadda Road (from the Brand Highway to Munbinea Road) and Yerramullah Road (from Cantabilling Road to the intersection with Bibby Road) to be in no lesser standard at the end of the construction phase as they were prior to the development commencing. A photographic record of the condition of the subject roads shall be prepared prior to commencement of the project.

8. The proponents shall provide a Traffic Management Plan to Main Roads WA and the Shire of Dandaragan prior to the commencement of construction. The Traffic Management Plan shall address:
·         transportation of materials to the project site;
·         obtaining the necessary written approvals / permits from Main Roads WA Heavy Vehicle Operations Branch; and
·         the transport of all divisible and indivisible loads and acquisition of necessary permits for transport of these loads.
9. Following the submission of the development application, if the proponents propose changes resulting in significant additional environmental impact in the opinion of the Shire of Dandaragan, these changes shall not be undertaken without prior consultation with the Shire of Dandaragan and the Environmental Protection Authority Service Unit.
10. The proponents are required to obtain a Clearing Permit in accordance with the provisions of the Environmental Protection (Clearing of Native Vegetation) Regulations 2004 in the case of any proposal to clear existing remnant native vegetation on the site to the satisfaction of the Department of Environment and Conservation.
11. The Wind Farm shall comply with the South Australian Environmental Protection Authority ¡§Wind farms environmental noise guidelines (interim)¡¨ dated December 2007 and relevant sections of the Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority ”Guidance of the Assessment of Environmental Factors Environmental Noise Draft No 8” dated May 2007.
12. Noise from the operational Wind Farm shall not exceed 5dB(A) above the background noise level or 40dB(A) (using a 10 minutes LAeq), whichever is the greater, at existing residences inside the development envelope.
13. Noise from the operational Wind Farm shall not exceed 5dB(A) above the background noise level or 35dB(A) (using a 10 minutes LAeq), whichever is the greater, at existing residences outside the development envelope.
14. The background noise limits for the proposed development are to be based on the pre-recorded background noise measurements. (Refer to Table 5 of the development application.)
15. The proponents shall develop and implement a postconstruction noise monitoring program at the noise sensitive receptors listed in Table 5 of the development application to assess compliance of the operational Wind Farm with the noise limits. The post-construction noise monitoring program shall be conducted at the same time of year as when the background noise measurements were recorded. Results of the program shall be forwarded to the relevant authority.
16. Prior to the commencement of construction, the proponents shall commission third party noise modelling studies (in accordance with planning consent condition number 11) to demonstrate the final Wind Farm design complies with the noise limits outlined in this approval. The intended noise modelling methodology shall be discussed with the Department of Environment and Conservation Noise Branch, at the appropriate time.
17. The proponents shall develop and implement a bird mortality monitoring program within 12 months of commencement of Wind Farm operations. The program shall be developed in consultation with the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) and / or the WA Museum. Results of the program shall be forwarded to the Shire of Dandaragan.
18. The proponents shall develop and implement an annual monitoring program for Carnaby¡¦s Black Cockatoo (Calyptohynchus latirostris) bird strike, foraging and roosting (including any avoidance) behaviour, with reporting to the Commonwealth Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. The WA Museum (Mr Ron Johnstone or his nominated appointment) is to be consulted in developing appropriate surveying methodologies for Carnaby¡¦s Black Cockatoo. The duration of this monitoring will be defined during the development of the program andsubject  to review, based on findings during the first two years' monitoring.
19. The proponents shall provide road signage to the specification and satisfaction of Main Roads WA and the Shire of Dandaragan.
20. The proponents shall submit a Drainage Management Plan for internal access roads for the endorsement of the Manager Technical Services and Works and a Drainage Management Plan where any impacts occur externally to the properties contained within the application.
21. A display panel designated to the Badgingarra Wind Farm shall be included in the existing Viewing Area Information Stand at the Emu Downs Wind Farm.
22. The proponents shall ensure sufficient clearance is maintained from Western Powers¡¦ existing and planned transmission and distribution lines and associated facilities to the satisfaction of Western Power.
23. The proponents shall provide landscaping to screen buildings to a similar standard as was planted at the Emu Downs Wind Farm.
24. Any leasehold arrangements exceeding 20 years for part lots are to be referred to the Western Australian Planning Commission for approval.
25. The submissions / objections lodged by the Department of Industry and Resources, Image Resources NL and Jurien Industrial Minerals Ltd being withdrawn and that Council be indemnified against any possible action from these organisations with regard to granting of planning approval, prior to the commencement of any on site works.
26. Decommissioning of the above ground plant and equipment (excluding concrete pads; footings; and in ground cables) on the subject land will commence within a period of 12 months from termination of operations and be completed within a time period of the satisfaction of the Shire of Dandaragan. This will occur following submission by the proponents of a plan outlining the process of decommissioning.
27. Planning consent is granted for a maximum period of two years from the date of this approval during which time the development must be substantially commenced.
28. The proponent is advised that planning approval is not a building licence. A building licence must be formally applied for and obtained from Building Services before commencement of any site and / or development works.
At its meeting November 2012, Council imposed further conditions on the proposed development due to new information and development taking place in the wind energy / farming industry, and to provide some consistency with previous planning approvals on wind farms in the Shire of Dandaragan, and they are as follows:
1. Prior to the commencement of construction, the proponent shall commission detailed archaeological and ethnographic surveys, compliant with Aboriginal Heritage Act (1972) dated September 2011, over areas of proposed infrastructure;
2. Prior to the commencement of construction, the proponent shall make arrangements in consultation with the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council for any required Aboriginal heritage monitoring;
3. prior to the commencement of construction, the proponent shall provide and implement a Fire Management Plan that addresses the impacts of the Wind Farm through the construction phase to operation, approved by Council and Department of Fire and Emergency Services of Western Australia;
4. All fencing shall be of rural construction such as open post and rail or post and wire, to the satisfaction of the Shire;
5. Prior to the commencement of construction, the proponent will consult with landowners on the location of known weed infestations and will implement measures, as agreed with landowners, and in accordance with any relevant regulation under the Bio-security and Agriculture Management Act 2007 and measures recommended by the Western Australian Department of Food and Agriculture; and
6. The proponent shall prior to commencement of construction, implement necessary strategies to mitigate an future noise non-compliance that may arise from the construction or operation of the Wind Farm.
Currently the project has been suffering delays due extensively to the delays experienced by Western Power in receiving relevant approvals for the construction of its 330 kV Midwest transmission line project. During this time, the proponent has been looking into the best model of wind turbine to provide the most efficient and effective turbine for this project.
Currently the applicant has narrowed their selection of wind turbines down to two models. Table 1 identifies the megawatts the turbines produce, the max height (when the tip of the turbine is at its highest point) and the number of turbines required to achieve their 130MW capacity:



Table 1 ¡V Turbine characteristics
Turbine:    MW         Max Height        No. of turbines
Model 1     3.4           132 (m)                      38
Model 2     3               140 (m)                      43
Further to the selection process, APA Group requires Western Power’s approval for the proposed model, to determine the turbine’s compatibility with Western Power’s system and infrastructure. Currently it is most desirable for model 1 to be selected as the turbine of choice subsequent availability and cost.

COMMENT
The proposed Badgingarra Wind Farm is already an approved use on the subject lots. The need for Council approval is in accordance with condition 9 of the original planning approval, requiring any proposed changes to further undergo consultation from the Shire and the EPA.
The original approval was for a turbine with a maximum height of 125m (tip height) model V90. The applicant proposes an increased turbine of 15m to a maximum height (tip height) of 140m model V112, with a 54.65 metre radius blade. It is considered the largest onshore turbine available.
The proposed model is designed to provide:
·         High productivity;
·         Reduced noise modes with minimal impact on power production;
·         Excellent grid support;
·         Designed for serviceability; and
·         Innovative CoolerTop that uses the wind¡¦s own energy to cool the turbine.
The V112-3.0MW has several noise modes to meet most site specific sound level restrictions and according to the applicant, through correspondence with Vesta, the V112 has a slight reduction in the sound output level compared to the approved V90, complying with the Badgingarra DA noise conditions.
Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) notified the Shire of Dandaragan (the Shire) that conditions 10, 17 and 18 be restated as approved by Council at its meeting 12 December 2008. Also the office of the EPA recognise that the change is not a material change and does not introduce any new environmental issues, thus the public advice given on 16 September 2008 is still relevant and applies.
As stated in condition 9 of the approval in 2008, requiring consultation with the Shire of Dandaragan and EPA service unit prior to changes being undertaken, and considering the responses received from both EPA and DEC, it would be reasonable to approve the proposal subject to the conditions imposed in 2008.
CONSULTATION
Letters have been sent to those properties neighbouring the subject site and government agencies allowing them to make submissions on the proposed change in height. An article has also been posted in the local paper circulating in the local area with the advertising period closing 8 March 2013.

STATUTORY ENVIRONMENT
·         Local Planning Scheme No 7
·         Planning Bulletin 67 ¡V Guidelines to Wind Farm Development
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
There are no policy implications relevant to this item.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The applicant is to pay 25% of an application fee being $7,825 prior to the approval being registered into the Shires system.
STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS
There are no strategic implications relevant to this item.
ATTACHMENTS
Circulated with the agenda are the following items relevant to this report:
·         APA Group clarification of tip height (Doc Id:12019)
·         Schedule of Submissions (Doc Id: 12485)
·         Land owner signed consent forms (Doc Id: 12210)
·         Vestas 3MW V112 onshore turbine Info Sheet (Doc Id: 12478) (Marked 9.4.2)
VOTING REQUIREMENT
Simple majority


OFFICER RECOMMENDATION
That Council grant approval to APA Group for the establishment of the Badgingarra Wind Farm expiring 19 December 2014 subject to the following conditions:
1. The proponents shall (prior to the erection of wind turbine generators) provide notification to the RAAF Aeronautical Service of the location and height details of the wind turbine generators;
2. The proponents shall (prior to the erection of the wind turbine generators) provide notification to Air Services Australia of the location and height details of the wind turbine generators;
3. The proponents shall (prior to the erection of wind turbine generators) provide notification to CASA of the location and height details of the wind turbine generators;
4. The access points onto the subject land and any road works shall be located and constructed to the satisfaction of the Manager of Technical Services and Works and include all necessary drainage and signage. Costs applicable to the construction of the access points onto the site and any related issues shall be borne by the proponents;
5. Access to the proposed development will only be allowed along Cadda Road and Yerramullah Road. The proponents will be required to undertake routine maintenance works on Cadda Road (from the Brand Highway to Munbinea Road) and Yerramullah Road (from Cantabilling Road to the intersection with Bibby Road) for the duration of the construction phase. The cost of the routine maintenance will be determined on a shared basis with the Shire (to be agreed prior to the commencement of the project based upon forecast traffic volumes). Any costs associated with required upgrades needed before development of the Wind Farm occurs shall be to the satisfaction of the Manager Technical Services and Works and be at the cost of the proponents;
6. The proponents in conjunction with the Shire of Dandaragan shall commission a Road Condition Report prepared by a recognised engineer (agreed to by both parties) prior to the commencement of the project. The Road Condition Report shall, at least but not be limited to, identifying the following issues;
a) Suitability of the existing pavement strength (in wet and dry conditions) to cater for the proposed haulage loads and traffic volumes;
b) Suitability of the existing horizontal and vertical alignments to cater for the proposed haulage loads and traffic volumes; and
c) Identify and provide plans and costings for any required upgrade works to the existing road network to make it suitable for the proposed haulage loads and traffic volumes.
The costs associated with the preparation of the Road Condition Report and any road works identified in the Road Condition Report shall be undertaken at the cost of the proponents prior to any works commencing onsite;
7. The Shire of Dandaragan requires Cadda Road (from the Brand Highway to Munbinea Road) and Yerramullah Road (from Cantabilling Road to the intersection with Bibby Road) to be in no lesser standard at the end of the construction phase as they were prior to the development commencing. A photographic record of the condition of the subject roads shall be prepared prior to commencement of the project;
8. The proponents shall provide a Traffic Management Plan to Main Roads WA and the Shire of Dandaragan prior to the commencement of construction. The Traffic Management Plan shall address;
·         transportation of materials to the project site;
·         obtaining the necessary written approvals / permits from Main Roads WA Heavy Vehicle Operations Branch; and
·         the transport of all divisible and indivisible loads and acquisition of necessary permits for transport of these loads.
9. Following the submission of the development application, if the proponents propose changes resulting in significant additional environmental impact in the opinion of the Shire of Dandaragan, these changes shall not be undertaken without prior consultation with the Shire of Dandaragan and the Environmental Protection Authority Service Unit;
10. The proponents are required to obtain a Clearing Permit in accordance with the provisions of the Environmental Protection (Clearing of Native Vegetation) Regulations 2004 in the case of any proposal to clear existing remnant native vegetation on the site to the satisfaction of the Department of Environment and Conservation;
11. The Wind Farm shall comply with the South Australian Environmental Protection Authority “Wind farms environmental noise guidelines (interim)¨ dated December 2007 and relevant sections of the Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority “Guidance of the Assessment of Environmental Factors Environmental Noise Draft No 8¨ dated May 2007;
12. Noise from the operational Wind Farm shall not exceed 5dB(A) above the background noise level or 40dB(A) (using a 10 minutes LAeq), whichever is the greater, at existing residences inside the development envelope;
13. Noise from the operational Wind Farm shall not exceed 5dB(A) above the background noise level or 35dB(A) (using a 10 minutes LAeq), whichever is the greater, at existing residences outside the development envelope;
14. The background noise limits for the proposed development are to be based on the pre-recorded background noise measurements. (Refer to Table 5 of the development application.);
15. The proponents shall develop and implement a post construction noise monitoring program at the noise sensitive receptors listed in Table 5 of the development application to assess compliance of the operational Wind Farm with the noise limits. The post-construction noise monitoring program shall be conducted at the same time of year as when the background noise measurements were recorded. Results of the program shall be forwarded to the relevant authority;
16. Prior to the commencement of construction, the proponents shall commission third party noise modelling studies (in accordance with planning consent condition number 11) to demonstrate the final Wind Farm design complies with the noise limits outlined in this approval. The intended noise modelling methodology shall be discussed with the Department of Environment and Conservation Noise Branch, at the appropriate time;
17. The proponents shall develop and implement a bird mortality monitoring program within 12 months of commencement of Wind Farm operations. The program shall be developed in consultation with the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) and / or the WA Museum. Results of the program shall be forwarded to the Shire of Dandaragan;
18. The proponents shall develop and implement an annual monitoring program for Carnaby¡¦s Black Cockatoo (Calyptohynchus latirostris) bird strike, foraging and roosting (including any avoidance) behaviour, with reporting to the Commonwealth Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. The WA Museum (Mr Ron Johnstone or his nominated appointment) is to be consulted in developing appropriate surveying methodologies for Carnaby¡¦s Black Cockatoo. The duration of this monitoring will be defined during the development of the program and subject to review, based on findings during the first two years' monitoring;
19. The proponents shall provide road signage to the specification and satisfaction of Main Roads WA and the Shire of Dandaragan;
20. The proponents shall submit a Drainage Management Plan for internal access roads for the endorsement of the Manager Technical Services and Works and a Drainage Management Plan where any impacts occur externally to the properties contained within the application;
21. A display panel designated to the Badgingarra Wind Farm shall be included in the existing Viewing Area Information Stand at the Emu Downs Wind Farm;
22. The proponents shall ensure sufficient clearance is maintained from Western Powers¡¦ existing and planned transmission and distribution lines and associated facilities to the satisfaction of Western Power;
23. The proponents shall provide landscaping to screen buildings to a similar standard as was planted at the Emu Downs Wind Farm;
24. Any leasehold arrangements exceeding 20 years for part lots are to be referred to the Western Australian Planning Commission for approval;
25. The submissions / objections lodged by the Department of Industry and Resources, Image Resources NL and Jurien Industrial Minerals Ltd being withdrawn and that Council be indemnified against any possible action from these organisations with regard to granting of planning approval, prior to the commencement of any on site works;
26. Decommissioning of the above ground plant and equipment (excluding concrete pads; footings; and inground cables) on the subject land will commence within a period of 12 months from termination of operations and be completed within a time period of the satisfaction of the Shire of Dandaragan. This will occur following submission by the proponents of a plan outlining the process of decommissioning;
27. Planning consent is granted for a maximum period of two years from the date of this approval during which time the development must be substantially commenced;
28. The proponent is advised that planning approval is not a building licence. A building licence must be formally applied for and obtained from Building Services before commencement of any site and / or development works;
29. Prior to the commencement of construction, the proponent shall commission detailed archaeological and ethnographic surveys, compliant with Aboriginal Heritage Act (1972) dated September 2011, over areas of proposed infrastructure;
30. Prior to the commencement of construction, the proponent shall make arrangements in consultation with the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council for any required Aboriginal heritage monitoring;
31. Prior to the commencement of construction, the proponent shall provide and implement a Fire Management Plan that addresses the impacts of the Wind Farm through the construction phase to operation, approved by Council and Department of Fire and Emergency Services of Western Australia;
32. All fencing shall be of rural construction such as open post and rail or post and wire, to the satisfaction of the Shire;
33. Prior to the commencement of construction, the proponent will consult with landowners on the location of known weed infestations and will implement measures, as agreed with landowners, and in accordance with any relevant regulation under the Bio-security and Agriculture Management Act 2007 and measures recommended by the Western Australian Department of Food andAgriculture; and

34. The proponent shall prior to commencement of construction, implement necessary strategies to mitigate an future noise non-compliance that may arise from the construction or operation of the Wind Farm