Ashurst advises ACEN Australia on Robbins Island wind farm appeal

Global law firm Ashurst has advised ACEN Australia on the appeal of its proposed A$2.6 billion 720 MW wind farm on Robbins Island in northwest Tasmania. The project will contribute to achieving Tasmania's 200% Renewable Energy Target and reduce the Australian energy sector emissions by approximately 3 million tonnes per annum. 

The appeal, approved by the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, overturned a condition requiring the project to shut down for five months of every year that was imposed by Tasmania's Environment Protection Authority due to the perceived risk of the project on the critically endangered Orange-bellied Parrot. In granting ACEN's appeal, the Tribunal found that the condition was not proportionate to the potential impact on the Orange-bellied Parrot and was not reasonable or necessary. 

The Tribunal hearing ran for three weeks, the longest hearing in the history of the Tribunal, and heard from more than 20 expert witnesses across a diverse range of subject areas.

Partner Jeff Lynn said: "Ashurst is proud to have assisted ACEN Australia in obtaining planning approval for a project that will be a critical contributor to Australia's energy transition." 

The Ashurst team was led by partner Jeff Lynn, who was assisted by: Counsel Sophie Osborn, senior associate Connor Davies and associate Robert Boag (Planning, Access and Environment).