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Department of Sustainability and Environment on the Potential Impact of the Macarthur windplant on Brolga
October 21, 2005
by Dept. of Sustainability and Environment, Victoria
Summary:
The Department of Sustainability and Environment has considered and evaluated the above [Macarthur] application pursuant to, section 52 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987. DSE offers the following response to the above proposal.
Potential Impacts on Brolga
The Brolga is listed as Vulnerable on the DSE Victorian Threatened Species Advisory List and under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. The Victorian population of Brolga has declined significantly since European settlement and the current population is estimated at between 600-650 birds in the south west Victoria/south-east South Australia region, with an estimated additional 100 birds in NE Victoria. Brolgas are non-migratory, however, they do move seasonally between traditional flocking and breeding sites and in response to seasonal rains and droughts. Apparent trends show the Victorian Brolga population becoming increasingly dispersed and fragmented due to the decline in optimal habitats. Collisions with overhead powerlines are well known in SWVictoria. While recruitment does occur, the population has remained static for sometime.It is widely considered that the Victorian population is under stress.
The bird surveys as carried out for in the targeted flora and fauna investigations by Brett Lane &
Associates Pty Ltd in Supplement C -The Status of the Brolga in the Macarthur Region, page14, state that a total of 66 Brolgas were recorded within a 40 kilometre radius, with 14 breeding birds being located on nearby swamps (reported from landholders).
The Department advises that since the development of the Planning Permit Application, further information has become available about the Brolga utilisation in the vicinity of the proposed wind farm site. Landholders and fieldwork have provided this by Departmental Officers & by Brett Lane & Associates Pty Ltd during the breeding season of the Brolga (July to December).
DSE considers that the proposal poses a higher risk to Brolga through both loss of habitat for Brolga (through deterring use of the available habitat) and an increased risk of death and injury through collision with the turbines than indicated by the work provided in support of the Planning Permit Application. While the impact of the presence of the turbines on Brolga behaviour, feeding and breeding activity has not been determined, it is likely that in the short term the presence of turning turbines will dissuade birds from wind farm sites.
There is no comprehensive data on the movement patterns of Brolgas overall or for particular locations or groups of birds. The Department has previously conducted banding programs where by birds are tagged with a band and banded bids are tracked overtime. These studies have, however, resulted in mortalities and injuries due to bands not being suitable for the male birds and have been discontinued. Technology exists to enable the satellite tracking of birds to ascertain movement pattems however these methods are extremely costly and more importantly,the trapping and handling the birds poses the risks of bird injury and death.The Department acknowledges there is a high degree of uncertainty associated with any estimate of risk due to a distinct lack of information relating to Brolga movement and behaviour.
The Brolga is listed as Vulnerable on the DSE Victorian Threatened Species Advisory List and under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. The Victorian population of Brolga has declined significantly since European settlement and the current population is estimated at between 600-650 birds in the south west Victoria/south-east South Australia region, with an estimated additional 100 birds in NE Victoria. Brolgas are non-migratory, however, they do move seasonally between traditional flocking and breeding sites and in response to seasonal rains and droughts. Apparent trends show the Victorian Brolga population becoming increasingly dispersed and fragmented due to the decline in optimal habitats. Collisions with overhead powerlines are well known in SWVictoria. While recruitment does occur, the population has remained static for sometime.It is widely considered that the Victorian population is under stress.
The bird surveys as carried out for in the targeted flora and fauna investigations by Brett Lane &
Associates Pty Ltd in Supplement C -The Status of the Brolga in the Macarthur Region, page14, state that a total of 66 Brolgas were recorded within a 40 kilometre radius, with 14 breeding birds being located on nearby swamps (reported from landholders).
The Department advises that since the development of the Planning Permit Application, further information has become available about the Brolga utilisation in the vicinity of the proposed wind farm site. Landholders and fieldwork have provided this by Departmental Officers & by Brett Lane & Associates Pty Ltd during the breeding season of the Brolga (July to December).
DSE considers that the proposal poses a higher risk to Brolga through both loss of habitat for Brolga (through deterring use of the available habitat) and an increased risk of death and injury through collision with the turbines than indicated by the work provided in support of the Planning Permit Application. While the impact of the presence of the turbines on Brolga behaviour, feeding and breeding activity has not been determined, it is likely that in the short term the presence of turning turbines will dissuade birds from wind farm sites.
There is no comprehensive data on the movement patterns of Brolgas overall or for particular locations or groups of birds. The Department has previously conducted banding programs where by birds are tagged with a band and banded bids are tracked overtime. These studies have, however, resulted in mortalities and injuries due to bands not being suitable for the male birds and have been discontinued. Technology exists to enable the satellite tracking of birds to ascertain movement pattems however these methods are extremely costly and more importantly,the trapping and handling the birds poses the risks of bird injury and death.The Department acknowledges there is a high degree of uncertainty associated with any estimate of risk due to a distinct lack of information relating to Brolga movement and behaviour.
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