The Albanese government has approved the Robbins Island wind farm in northwest Tasmania, a project that has faced years of delays and opposition due to environmental concerns.

Despite opposition and concerns about its impact on endangered species like the critically endangered orange-bellied parrot, the government approved the project, which includes up to 100 turbines, a bridge, wharf, and quarries.

The project has been delayed multiple times since 2022 due to fears over local fauna, especially the orange-bellied parrot, leading to legal disputes and restrictions imposed by environmental authorities.

The new environment minister, Murray Watt, approved the wind farm with strict additional environmental conditions, exceeding previous requirements set by Tasmania.

To mitigate environmental risks, approval includes a requirement for three years of surveys to better understand the migratory habits of the orange-bellied parrot and other local wildlife.

Additional conditions for protection include funding for parrot conservation, barriers to prevent Tasmanian devil crossings, and turbine placement restrictions near eagle nests.

Environmental concerns focus on potential bird collisions, habitat destruction, and the decline of migratory shorebirds, which have decreased by over 70% since the late 20th century.

Robbins Island, owned by the Hammond family since the 1960s, features ecologically significant wetlands, heathland, and beaches, serving as a vital habitat for migratory birds along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.

The wind farm is expected to generate enough energy to power approximately 422,000 homes and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 3.4 million tonnes annually, comparable to removing over a million cars from the roads.

While supported by Tasmania’s government and industry, the project has faced criticism from environmental groups like the Bob Brown Foundation and Birdlife Australia, who argue it threatens vital habitats and wildlife, calling for Robbins Island to be designated a no-go zone.