What do a solar farm, and PHIC’s vertebrate pest management program have in common?
Quite a lot as it turns out.
APA’s Port Hedland Power Station Solar Farm site is now incorporated into the PHIC Greater Port Hedland Vertebrate Pest Management Program (VPMP).
The (VPMP) is a coordinated feral animal program targeted at managing environmental impacts caused by the Red Fox and feral cats.
With APA’s help, the program now covers about 10,750ha.
PHIC’s Business and Community Manager Chantel Cullen visited APA’s Port Hedland Power Station Solar Farm for a look at the first stage of a major installation of around 134,000 solar panels that is scheduled for completion in 2024.
On site with APA’s Planning and Environment Lead Briana Wingfield and Land Access Approvals Advisor Cameron Mitchell, the tour was led by APA Construction Manager Mark King who’s in depth knowledge was remarkable.
Fun fact: more than three million bolts will be used in the solar farm project.
And the VPMP? The second program event for 2024 started in August. After two full years of the collaborative effort, there is an increase in native fauna and a decrease in feral fox activity. The program seeks to protect local animals such as the flatback turtles, quolls, bilbies, echidnas, birds, and lizards.
Read more about the program here.