Wind Farms

In reply to the Hon. D.G.E. HOOD ().11 September 2024).

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector): I am advised:

In the 10-year period from 2014 to present, SafeWork SA has investigated 37 cases that specifically relate to wind turbines at wind farms in South Australia. Thirteen (13) of those cases related to falling parts or objects. In each instance those objects have either landed in a designated drop zone and/or not presented an immediate or imminent risk to the safety of a worker or member of the public. No breaches of work health and safety laws were identified therefore no statutory notices were issued.

The other cases resulted in SafeWork SA Inspectors issuing 17 improvement notices and five prohibition notices for contraventions of the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 and Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012. All notices were complied with and no further action was required.

The Attorney-General's Department Annual Report and the SafeWork SA Annual Activity Report are both publicly available documents that contain general information about SafeWork SA's compliance activities. Specific information is subject to the confidentiality provisions of the Work Health and Safety Act 2012. This prevents any action taken by an inspector in which they exercise a power or function under the act to be disclosed to another party including the requestor. Exceptions include information required by a court or tribunal; or that is required or authorised under a law; or to a minister.

It is not within SafeWork SA's jurisdiction to collect data on the number of birds or other animals that have been killed or injured by wind turbines.