Author: Craig Memery
At the detailed assessment and planning application stage you need to describe your proposed wind farm layout to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and Air Services Australia. Unlike the other activities described in the detailed assessment section — this process is more focussed on communication rather than investigation.
The aviation authorities will use information about your proposed wind farm to assess potential aircraft safety issues and review the proximity of your site to any major airports, aerodromes or landing strips. You'll also need to check with the local community for the presence of light aircraft landing strips, and inform the Royal Australian Airforce of your wind farm so they can update their records.
Civil Aviation Safety Authority
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) provides general regulatory controls for the safety of air navigation, and is responsible for approving tall structures such as wind turbines.
Height restrictions may limit the kind of wind turbine you can use, and aircraft warning lighting may affect the perceived visual impact of the wind farm, as well as adding up-front and ongoing costs to the project.
Potential constraints
As a result of your consultation with CASA you may have to consider:
- height restrictions that limit your choice of turbine
- the need for aircraft warning lights
- whether you need to appoint a specialist to evaluate the proposed wind farm against aeronautical constraints.
Air Services Australia
Air Services Australia (ASA) is responsible for managing air traffic control and other related areas, such as aeronautical data, telecommunications, navigation services, and aviation rescue and fire fighting services. They will identify any nearby airfields and decide if your wind farm will have any impact on their operation.
The Royal Australian Air Force
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) also keeps a database of tall structures. You'll need to advise them of the final height and position of all wind turbines.
Light aircraft landing strips
Bear in mind nearby farms may operate small aircraft as part of their farming operations. The locations of these small-scale landing strips are generally not recorded on any public databases. The best way to identify these strips is through discussions with landowners and broader community consultation. Local landing strips may pose a safety issue, particularly for the placement of overhead transmission lines.
Checklist
When you start a detailed assessment of your wind farm you'll need to:
- contact CASA and ASA about your proposed turbine locations and heights
- contact the RAAF once your design is finalised, so they can update their tall structures records
- check with the community about the presence of any local small landing strips.