Community
10 July, 2026
20 wedge-tailed eagles die at wind farm
Twenty wedge-tailed eagles have been killed by wind turbines at the Rye Park Wind Farm over the past 18 months
Twenty wedge-tailed eagles have been killed by wind turbines at the Rye Park Wind Farm over the past 18 months, according to information presented at a Community Consultative Committee (CCC) meeting.
Yass Valley Councillor Alvaro Charry, who attended the meeting on behalf of Yass Valley Council, said representatives of the owner, Tilt Renewables, provided the figure.
Cr Charry described the deaths as "deeply saddening and concerning".
"The wedge-tailed eagle is one of our nation's most iconic native birds. It also holds profound cultural significance as the sacred totem of the Ngunnawal People," he said.
"To hear that so many of these majestic birds have been lost is distressing and raises important questions about how these impacts are being managed and mitigated."
Following the update, the Rye Park Wind Farm - Community Consultative Committee requested that Tilt Renewables provide a comprehensive report at its next meeting in October.
The committee has asked for statistics covering all recorded bird strike incidents across the wind farm, details of current and proposed mitigation measures to reduce wildlife deaths, and an outline of the reporting requirements to the NSW Government.
Cr Charry said renewable energy projects were an important part of Australia's energy future but environmental impacts must continue to be addressed.
"Protecting biodiversity and respecting our cultural and environmental heritage must remain central to how these projects are planned, operated and continually improved," he said.
The wedge-tailed eagle is Australia's largest bird of prey and is protected under state and territory wildlife laws.
The Rye Park Wind Farm is the largest operating wind farm in New South Wales, located north of Yass.
The Southern Wire has contacted Tilt Renewables for comment.
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