Only 77 of these parrots remain in the wild. A wind farm developer says a few deaths are a risk worth taking

A company planning to build a wind farm on Robbins Island in north-west Tasmania has argued that the crash of an orange-bellied parrot would not have a “numerical effect” on the birds’ long-term survival.

ACEN Australia’s proposal for a 100-turbine 720-megawatt island sits in the middle of what is believed to be the parrot’s annual return between Tasmania and Victoria.

But because of the low numbers and high mortality rate of young – four out of five released in captivity fail to complete their first migration – it is rarely seen in the wild, including on Robbins Island.

It is estimated that there are only 77 adult orange-bellied parrots left in the wild, but ACEN doubts whether the potential conflict with its wind turbines will affect the species’ survival.

The parrot – one of Australia’s most endangered species – is central to a planning appeal against wind farm approval, with discussions starting in Hobart this week.

Tasmania’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has required the wind farm to close for five months of the year to reduce the risk of collisions.

ACEN appealed this provision, arguing that this would invalidate the proposal.

Michael O’Farrell SC, acting for ACEN, told the court that parrots face other risks during their migration, which go beyond the wind farm.

“Unless there is an improvement in the survival rate of the young, the orange-bellied parrot will remain dependent on the release of breeding birds to avoid extinction,” he said.

As a condition, ACEN proposed funding a government-funded captive breeding program and providing monitoring if the parrot collides with a wind turbine.

Mr O’Farrell described any death of any orange-bellied parrot as “unfortunate”.

Eating habits at risk, the court said

But David Deller – acting on behalf of the Bob Brown Foundation, which is asking for permission for the wind farm – said the death would be “catastrophic”.

He said any changes in the landscape and migration patterns of parrots could have impacts beyond conflict, causing them to find different food sources and harming their chances of survival.

“Orange-bellied parrots are in the prevention and recovery phase,” Mr Deller told the court.

Science is doing everything it can to prevent the extinction of these endangered species, and the difference could not be greater.