Epuron clearly holds a very different view of what 'consultation' means, to that of the local community. Alas, we are not alone in our experience. Epuron has a history of hosting "community information sessions" instead of meetings and consultation. Epuron's definition of these 'information sessions' is to lay out company information (propaganda), on the table, to hang up posters. To deliberately NOT engage with attendees. To avoid questions. To claim consultation has occurred with Traditional Owners, and with communities when it has not.
For anyone who did not attend the Ravenshoe "community information session" this is what occurred:
https://www.facebook.com/fb.Matt.Lachlan/posts/243191994314423
And this is how Epuron reported it:
https://epuron.com.au/news/2021/9/19/252-information-session-held-in-ravenshoe/
In Tasmania, locals have experienced similar conduct from Epuron with regards to their Western Plains project SW of Stanley.
Kerry Houston, secretary of Respect Stanley Peninsula – No Wind Turbines Inc. says "I don’t think Epuron like to hold town hall meetings, and instead do drop in sessions to divide and conquer. They have only had one drop in session in Stanley in 2018, and then in 2021 announced they were ready to lodge a development application and have another drop in session."
"The community protested at the 2021 session! Their lack of engagement is amazing. We’ve complained to the Clean Energy Council about the charter they’ve signed. We don’t think they are adhering to it."
Victoria Onslow, from the No Turbine Action Group is facing an uphill battle with Epuron over the St Patrick's Plains development in Tasmania. This proposed site is prime habitat for the Tasmanian Wedge Tailed Eagle (Aquila audax fleayi), with a staggering 18 nests found within or close to the development boundary.
The Tasmanian Wedge Tailed Eagle is a sub-species endemic to Tasmania. It is listed as ENDANGERED (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999).
On the 4th December 2021 a community organised consultation meeting took place in Ravenshoe. Epuron was invited well in advance and failed to attend. Instead Epuron sent a 'consultant' who would not speak, would not answer questions, yet the same 'consultant' has had no hesitation in attempting to arranging one on one private meetings with individuals regarding the development.
Epuron states it will hold another 'community information session' early in 2022...
No consultation. No respect for the environment. No respect for community.
STOP THE CHALUMBIN WIND FARM!
Copyright © 2021 Matt Lachlan