Josh Frydenberg overruled department to block Lord Howe Island wind turbines
by Anne Davies from on (#4QJD9)
Exclusive: FOI documents reveal former environment minister took action despite support from islanders
- Support our independent journalism with a one-off or recurring contribution
The former environment minister Josh Frydenberg went against the advice of his departmental experts when he blocked two wind turbines on Lord Howe Island in 2017, consigning the world heritage-listed island to relying on diesel fuel for the bulk of its electricity.
A freedom of information request by the Guardian has uncovered that the minister took the unusual action of blocking the project under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, deeming it "unacceptable".
Continue reading...