ACNT - AUSWIND NATIONAL LANDSCAPE
ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY
ACNT/AUSWIND joint project to develop a national methodology for assessing
landscape values for the siting of wind farms.
Overview
The wind farms and landscape values – National Assessment Methodology project is a joint project between the Australian Council of National Trusts (ACNT) and the Australian Wind Energy Association (Auswind) funded by the Department of the Environment and Heritage under the Low Emission Technology and Abatement Program. The objective of the project is to provide a sound and transparent, nationally applicable framework for identifying and assessing landscape values, assessing the potential impacts of wind farms on landscape values, site impact assessment and mitigation and community consultation procedures. A brief overview of the project and the background to its inception is contained in the Project Overview Information Sheet.<http://www.auswind.org/auswea/downloads/mediareleases
/ACNTProjectoverviewinformationsheet.pdf>
This project builds on work undertaken in 2004/05 by the ACNT and Auswind Wind Farms and Landscape Values Stage 1 Report, Identifying Issues, March 2005, click here for a copy of the report.
Structure
This project is funded by the Commonwealth Department of Environment and Heritage under the Low Emission Technology and Abatement Program. A structure has been put in place to oversee the project processes and outcomes. This project structure includes a Steering Committee with representatives from the ACNT, Auswind and the Department of Environment and Heritage. An Expert Advisory Panel has been appointed to review the methodology and provide recomendation to the Steering Committee and the Boards of the ACNT and Auswind. To view the Project Structure click here.
Current Status
A specialist consultant has been appointed to the project. They are currently undertaking a best practice review of landscape assessment methodologies and develop a draft methodology for consultation. This work is expected to be completed by early January 2007.
The scoping of the consultation phase of the project is occurring. It is the intent of the project to visit all States, and to conduct consultation in regional settings as well as capital cities. The location and dates for the consultation will be finalized by early December 2006 and publicized on this site, as well as invitations, advertisements and other promotional material being distributed. If you would like to register to be on the stakeholder database for the project, please email sjones@auswind.org or write to Sarah Jones, Manager - Best Practice and Compliance, Auswind, Suite 2 Level 6/330 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000.