The Tarago community hall was filled with residents – most inside, some skirted outside – to join in on the heated discussion. 

The proposal by EPYC, which is currently on public exhibition on the Department of Planning and Environment’s website, is calling for public submissions in the lead-up to the second phase of assessment. 

Director of Resource Assessment Mike Young, who led the discussion, said it was clear the local community is ‘very interested in the topic’.

The 88 proposed wind turbines will be 173 metres in height from the ground. Mr Young admitted the Jupiter Wind Farm project was on the higher end of the scale brought to the department. 

According to the plans submitted by EPYC, if the turbines are approved, there will be 62 properties in a 2km radius and 138 properties in a 3km radius of the turbines.

“This project has been on the books for quite a while and we understand there is a level of uncertainty, we’re certainly mindful,” Mr Young said. “There’s no need to cut corners but we need to progress at a reasonable pace. No one wants to be held in limbo.” 

The capital investment of the Jupiter Wind Farm is $300 million, and will provide approximately 300 jobs during the initial construction phase and 30 for the operational department. 

But Tarago resident Tony Hill questioned the legitimacy of the consultation process and identified a lack of two way communication between EPYC and the community. Mr Hill labelled the department as a ‘postbox’ for EPYC and the government. 

Wife Jane Keany said most residents in the district owned solar panels and believed in renewable energy. “There is a lack of focus on the emotional effect this project will have on residents,” she said. 

Another vocal resident, Mel Hayes, who would have 19 turbines within 3km of her property, told the packed hall of her story to refuse to sign with EPYC. 

“We want to make it clear that the department has an independent, balanced and objective role,” Mr Young said. “We’re not here to promote a particular development.”

Mr Young said he was happy people could air their concerns at the forum, and strongly encouraged people to submit their public submissions. “When people are putting in their submission, we ask that they make their positions clear,” he said.

The proposal submitted by EPYC for the Jupiter Wind Farm project is available on the Department of Planning and Environment website. Public submissions will close on February 15.