Tasmanian Wind Farm Proposal Raises Local Concerns Over Politician Land Ownership Links

Equis, a renewable energy investor, has proposed a 224-megawatt wind farm on Tasmania's northern coast between Bellbuoy Beach and Beechford. The project includes 28 wind turbines up to 270 meters tall and is estimated to cost $950 million. The Tasmanian government declared the wind farm a major project in 2024, which means it will be assessed by the Tasmanian Planning Commission rather than the local council.

The proposal covers 19 parcels of land, with the final layout subject to approvals and possible changes. Property records indicate that 12 of these parcels are owned by Effingham Pty Ltd, a company directed and part-owned by George Town Councillor Winston Archer. Another plot is owned directly by Mr.

Archer, who is the spouse of Tasmanian Health Minister and Liberal Member for Bass Bridget Archer. Ms. Archer has declared her spouse's interests in parliament, including his role in Effingham Pty Ltd and ownership of farms in George Town.

She stated that she has not been involved in any project approvals, as it falls outside her portfolio areas. Ms. Archer said she will remain "at arm's length" from the project and will neither advocate for nor against it.

Local residents have expressed opposition to the wind farm, citing concerns about its impact on the area's natural beauty and serenity. Gill Harris, a fourth-generation local who purchased a house at Bellbuoy Beach seven years ago for retirement, said the project could spoil the peaceful environment. She stated, "We don't want this area to look like an industrial field.

" Nicholas Wigg, whose father-in-law owns a nearby shack, said the development would detract from the area's special qualities. Angela Armstrong, a former state candidate for the Nationals and Jacqui Lambie Network who moved to the area six years ago, opposed the project, describing it as the wrong location despite not being against renewables in general.