The Department found that CWP Renewables had breached its conditions of consent by commencing construction of the wind farm without first upgrading the nearby Aarons Pass Road.

The Department also imposed a $15,000 penalty notice on CWP Renewables for breaching its conditions of consent.

Executive Director, Resource Assessments and Compliance, Mike Young, said the Department takes its compliance role seriously.

“This was a clear breach of the conditions,” he said.

“While the company has agreed to stop construction of the project until it upgrades Aarons Pass Road, we also considered it was appropriate to issue a fine for the works already undertaken on the site,” Mr Young said.

This latest compliance action comes after CWP Renewables ceased work on Aarons Pass Road earlier this year following concerns raised by locals about the extent of tree clearing along the road.

CWP Renewables has now lodged a modification application with the Department seeking approval for a revised design for the Aarons Pass Road upgrade, including an increase in the limit for tree clearing along the road.

The application is on public exhibition until 19 December 2018, and the Department encourages anyone who wishes to have a say to make a formal submission through the Major Projects website www.majorprojects.nsw.gov.au

The Department will also be holding a community forum on Wednesday, December 12 2018 at the Pyramul Hall in Pyramul from 4pm to 6pm.

“We are holding a community forum to listen to the concerns of the community and to answer any questions about the assessment of the proposed modification. We encourage anyone with an interest in the project to attend,” Mr Young said.

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Daily Liberal. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up to our free or subscriber only newsletters below: