Photo credit: Eric Nordberg
It's no secret that Australians hold renewable energy projects to a much higher environmental standard than any other form of development. But just because the energy they produce is "greener" than fossil fuels, each project will of course have some impact on the local environment.
So, what do these impacts look like in North Queensland? And could this extra scrutiny on renewables be leveraged to get better nature outcomes?
Let's get one thing clear: renewables were never going to "save our environment" - but they can allow us to reduce our dependence on coal and gas, which we know actively harm our environment - locally, regionally and globally.
In a rapidly developing region like North Queensland, it's important that ALL new development - be that for industry, housing, agriculture, tourism or energy - should do everything possible to minimise impacts on nature.
Through our Mapping our Energy Future workshops, we explored some of the key environmental risks specific to renewable energy development in the Townsville region, and compiled a simple list of recommendations to address these.
Potential Impacts
| Habitat impacts |
Habitat fragmentation from new roads and fences |
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Cumulative habitat loss, particularly for the Black-throated finch |
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Reduction in fauna connectivity from cluster/predator-proof/security fencing |
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| Direct wildlife impacts |
Increased risk of vehicle strikes due to increase in traffic to project site (particularly at risk may be wallabies, echidnas, hawks, wedge-tailed eagles and snakes) |
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Under-reporting of local koala populations in ecological surveys due to their elusive nature |
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Potential bird and bat strikes from wind turbines |
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| Erosion and water quality |
Soil erosion and associated water quality impacts may be significant if the local soil profile is not adequately understood by developers |
| Waste |
Illegal dumping may increase as new roads provide access to low-population density areas |
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Concerns have been raised about the barriers that exist for recycling solar panels, wind turbines and other infrastructure, with fears that these will eventually be sent to landfill |
Recommendations for Renewable Energy Developers
| Site selection |
Prioritise cleared or degraded land for development |
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Avoid remnant vegetation, wildlife corridors and threatened species habitat, and proximity to riparian zones and wetlands |
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| Research and planning |
Engage early with Traditional Custodians and walk with them on Country to better understand the environmental and cultural values of the site and adjacent landscapes |
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Use thermal drones to detect cryptic wildlife populations, such as koalas |
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Prepare Property Management Plans covering regional connectivity and natural/cultural values |
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| Project design |
Allow riparian zones room to expand rather than only protecting current footprints |
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For solar projects, incorporate "conservoltaics" design concepts |
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Revegetate between solar panels with low native grasses |
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Retain or replace artificial watering points for birds |
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Use only fauna-friendly fencing |
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Utilise innovative technology for conservation outcomes (e.g. "Felixir" for managing feral cats and "Identiflight" for reducing bird strikes in wind turbines) |
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Undertake soil testing and erosion controls |
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Plan drainage to support aquifer recharge |
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Use pole-mounted solar panels instead of concrete pads |
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Include roadkill mitigation strategies for workers accessing the project site, particularly near dawn and dusk |
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Provide and enforce the use of vehicle wash-down facilities to reduce the spread of weeds into new areas |
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| Further steps |
Financially support local wildlife care organisations if their services are required as a direct or indirect result of the project |
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Fund basin-scale and cumulative impact studies |
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Support ongoing research into biodiversity outcomes of conservoltaics, through site access for research or direct funding support |
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Invest in research and implementation of recycling programs to ensure all recyclable components are can be recycled - preferably locally |
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