A big wind farm development planned for Robbins Island has been slammed by independent Senate hopeful Craig Garland.
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"What they are advocating is putting the biggest wind farm in the Southern Hemisphere adjacent to our largest migratory shorebird habitat in Tasmania," Mr Garland said.
"It's the worst location if you're talking about bird impact.
"None of the community (in that area) want it."
A spokesperson for wind farm proponent UPC Renewables Australia said: "UPC is developing the Robbins Island project in a sensitive and sustainable manner and has undertaken, and continues to undertake, significant studies into the environmental impacts of the project.
"This includes extensive monitoring of birds within the project area and surrounds.
"As part of the development, UPC has undertaken extensive community consultation through various forums and to date has had significant support for the project.
"UPC considers the development will provide significant benefits for the Circular Head community and will continue to engage with the community to address any issues that arise."
It's the worst location if you're talking about bird impact.
- Craig Garland
In February, state Energy Minister Guy Barnett said he briefed UPC Renewables "on the exciting developments on the second interconnector and Battery of the Nation projects".
"This week's announcement gives UPC Renewables more confidence to progress their Robbins Island and Jims Plain wind farms ... to their full potential of over 1000 megawatts and an additional wind farm project of up to 1200 megawatts in the North-East.
"These developments combined could see more than $3 billion invested and create over 400 direct jobs during construction and 120 permanent jobs ongoing."
Mr Garland is a fisherman who lives at Montagu, near Robbins Island.
He said wind farms needed the right locations with the right regulatory framework, and there should be more focus on solar energy.
Also a critic of salmon farming practices, he said Tasmania needed to find middle ground on development.
"The Greens want to lock everything up and the Liberals' attitude is turn it into dollars," he said.
"It's all jobs and growth and money.
"There are more important issues for the kids."
