Environment Tasmania’s fluxus campaign is deeply concerned by the ongoing Robbins Island wind farm court case, which highlights critical issues regarding the intersection of renewable energy development, biodiversity protection, and the rights of local communities.

The Robbins Island project, touted as a significant step forward for Tasmania's renewable energy future, has sparked considerable debate due to its environmental and cultural impact. Our campaign has consistently advocated for energy projects that prioritise community consultation, social license, and the protection of Tasmania’s unique biodiversity. Unfortunately, the Robbins Island development has been marked by insufficient engagement with local communities and a failure to fully consider its consequences for Tasmania’s fragile ecosystems.

Tasmania’s environment is a treasure trove of unique species, including the state’s only tumor-free Tasmanian Devils, rare bird species, and culturally significant lands for Indigenous communities. The Robbins Island wind farm project, while part of the state's renewable energy goals, has raised concerns over these critical environmental and cultural assets. It is clear that more thoughtful planning and deeper consultation with impacted communities are needed to ensure that Tasmania's energy transition doesn’t come at the cost of irreplaceable natural resources and the health of communities.

The legal challenge currently underway underscores a broader issue we face in the energy transition: the need to ensure that renewable energy projects align with environmental safeguards, respect for cultural heritage, and transparent engagement with all stakeholders.

fluxus, the energy and climate campaign as part of Environment Tasmania, is committed to supporting a fair and just energy transition—one that fosters sustainable, community-driven solutions. We believe that renewable energy projects must be developed in harmony with the environment and local communities. This means projects must secure genuine social license, and rigorously assess environmental impacts.

As the court case progresses, we will continue to advocate for greater care in the siting and development of renewable projects in Tasmania. It is essential that we learn from the Robbins Island case to build a transition that benefits both our climate future and the diverse ecosystems that make Tasmania unique.

fluxus remains committed to ensuring that the energy transition is both swift and responsible, protecting the natural world while advancing a clean energy future for Tasmania. We call for greater strategic foresight in planning and stronger environmental values to be embedded in Tasmania’s planning processes to ensure that development never comes at the expense of our biodiversity and cultural heritage.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Dr Emily Samuels-Ballantyne
Energy and Climate Campaigner, Environment Tasmania
0473378445
emily@et.org.au