Tathra wind farm project in Mid West takes next step with Environmental Protection Authority approval

A proposal for WA’s biggest wind farm is one step closer to being approved, with the State’s environmental watchdog opting not to assess it any further. An Environmental Protection Authority report released on January 6 deemed the Tathra wind farm’s overall impacts on the environment were not significant enough to warrant further assessment, allowing the project to progress to the next stage. The $4.5 billion wind farm proposal is set to be built in the Shire of Carnamah, located about 15km east of the town of Eneabba. About 3.44ha of native vegetation will be cleared during the wind farm’s development, which is within the allowed 15,847ha range. The EPA also determined impacts from clearing native vegetation and other flora can be managed appropriately through various measures and overall, would not be significant. Native fauna, including the endangered black cockatoo and peregrine falcon also will not be negatively affected, with plans to avoid their habitats and breeding grounds in place to manage the impact. It was also determined Synergy took reasonable steps to consult with the traditional custodians, with the proposed site located within the Yamatji Nation Indigenous Land Use Agreement area. Through a survey conducted in consultation with the Yamatji Southern Regional Corporation, the report also found the proposed development site did not intersect with any Aboriginal heritage sites or locations. The onshore renewable energy development was proposed by WA energy provider Synergy, with the EPA receiving the referral on November 28, 2025. Tathra wind farm would connect with the South West Interconnected System, WA’s main energy network, and will be situated in a region renowned for its strong and reliable winds. The development would see more than 140 wind turbines constructed, generating up to 1000MW of energy, plus about 500MW of solar generation and battery storage. The decision handed down is final, and cannot be appealed.