Draft National Wind Farm Development Guidelines - July 2010

A
Community and Stakeholder
Consultation
A.1 Introduction
This appendix addresses stakeholder participation in the wind farm development process.
The coordination and delivery of stakeholder participation activities is the responsibility of
the wind farm developer. This technical appendix provides a methodology to wind farm
developers which outlines the recommended standards and requirements for stakeholder
participation in each stage of development. It is important that stakeholder participation
activities are tailored to the specific circumstances of a proposed wind farm development,
including the nature and interests of relevant stakeholders, as well as the scale and
location of the development. In this context, the methodology presented in this document
should not be viewed as prescriptive, and instead used as a starting point to guide the
development of a stakeholder participation approach tailored to individual
circumstances.
The recommended methodology in this guideline describes:
• Principles which should be employed by wind farm developers when planning and
delivering participation activities.
• Considerations for planning stakeholder participation programs, including preparing
and delivering Communication and Consultation Plans and making an early
commitment to stakeholder participation in the development process.
• A recommended methodology for planning and delivering stakeholder participation
activities associated with the various stages of a wind farm’s development.
• Recommendations for stakeholder input into the assessment and management of key
technical study areas (i.e. noise, landscape, birds and bats, shadow flicker and
electromagnetic interference).
A.1.1 What is a “Stakeholder”
This methodology uses the term Stakeholder to describe any individual, business or group
who may live or work in proximity to a wind farm, or who may have an interest or
association with a wind farm development or its potential impacts. Stakeholders may
include community members (including the Aboriginal community), statutory and nonstatutory
agencies, businesses and organisations.
A.1.2 How can stakeholders use this appendix
Whilst this methodology has been prepared to provide guidance to wind farm developers
on planning and delivering stakeholder participation opportunities, it can also act as a tool
for stakeholders to understand:
• When participation in a wind farm development may commence and occur
• How participation may occur
• What developers should consider in supporting stakeholder participation in the wind
farm development process
For a quick overview of what planning and consultation activities may occur during various
stages of development refer to Figure A-2.
Draft National Wind Farm Development Guidelines – 2 July 2010 Page 21