Bird flu and proposed wind farm threaten endangered birds and bats at Victoria wetlands

A cluster of H5N1 avian influenza deaths in August near Portland and the Glenelg River Estuary has raised alarms for the fragile bird and bat communities that rely on the Ramsar-listed Glenelg Estuary and Discovery Bay Wetlands in south-west Victoria. Species such as the elusive Australasian bittern, fairy tern, hooded plover and the brolga already face habitat loss, and experts fear the additional pressure from a proposed 105-turbine wind farm.

HMC Capital’s Kentbruck Green Power Hub, slated for a 600-megawatt capacity with turbines up to 270 m tall, would sit roughly 300 m from the wetlands and 500 m from the coast, potentially disrupting flight paths. The developer claims extensive research, one outlet expert reviews, a 33 % reduction in turbine count and a $30 million ecology fund to protect wildlife. A decision on the project is expected on November 10, a ruling that could set a national precedent for future renewable developments near sensitive ecosystems.