Student Worksheet

Thought starter: What are some of the most famous Tasmanian animals?

Instructions to students

You’re hired ... as a wildlife protection expert! But who are you working for?

Hydro Tasmania

Hydro Tasmania provides electrical energy for the people of Tasmania, Australia’s island state. The word ‘hydro’ means ‘water’. Hydro Tasmania has thirty hydropower stations in Tasmania and a wind farm on an island in Bass Strait. Hydro Tasmania operates two wind farms on mainland Tasmania under a joint venture. Hydro Tasmania catches the electrical energy from these sources and sends it to places where it is needed, to power people’s homes and businesses.

This task requires you to research ONE creature (either a bird, animal or insect) living near a wind farm in Tasmania and complete the Environmental Impact Table below to show how the creature can be protected.

Watch the following video about the benefits of wind power.

Positive Energy (https://youtu.be/OoTJ1dnkNe4).

Pay particular attention to the section from 3:37 to 4:13 where Cindy Hull talks about protecting birdlife around the Woolnorth Wind Farm (note, this site is no longer in existence): specifically, the orange-bellied parrot. In the space below, make a few helpful notes based on the video:

Now you’re ready to tackle your new job!

Things to keep in mind:

Choose your creature after doing some research into wildlife in Tasmania.
Remember that some migrating creatures may not live in the area throughout the year.
Do not choose the orange-bellied parrot, as it is already given as an example in the video.
Look into factors like the creature’s habitat and diet requirements. Does it nest? How? Could it be affected by the wind turbines? How? Be specific: consider things like the sound and movement of the wind turbines, not just their presence in general.
In your table, divide your ideas into rows, separating different issues/hazards.

Make some research notes here:

Environmental Impact Table

Chosen creature:

Homework

Transform your table into a presentation (e.g. Prezi, poster, speech) and submit it for marking. Your teacher will decide whether/how this presentation will be shared with the class.

Extension Activity

Investigate the potential wildlife hazards or concerns for a creature living near one of Hydro Tasmania’s hydropower facilities (i.e. one that uses water to make energy) and create a table like the one above in your workbook to show possible problems and solutions.

You're Hired as a Wildlife Protection Expert!

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