The company is planning to build a major windfarm near Slopedown, in Eastern Southland, with about 50 turbines up to 220m high and costing $700 million to $900m.
In July, the company announced Minister for the Environment David Parker had agreed the project was eligible for fast-track consenting, but that it might not go for that route.
The fast-track process was introduced during the Covid pandemic to get projects vital for employment and infrastructure quickly consented.
If the windfarm is progressed under the fast-track consenting process, the Environmental Protection Authority will convene a panel of experts to assess the application.
Mr Rabbidge, a spokesman for the West Catlins Preservation Society, launched a petition shortly after the announcement and gathered 466 signatures opposing the windfarm proposal.
He was not surprised the company had taken the faster route, Mr Rabbidge said.
"It speaks volumes of what they are trying to do. It’s just another insult to the community that don’t want it.
"It just shows how arrogant they are. I call it cowardly what they’ve done."
The Southland District Council, iwi and adjoining landowners were the only ones who could have any input into the consent process now, he said.
"All we can do is lobby the district council and iwi and try to make our voices heard there so they can have a say on our behalf.
"Legally, we’ve got no say at all."
In a recent email to the community outlining developments, Contact Energy head of wind and solar Matthew Cleland said the company had decided to use the fast-track option.
"We’re working towards lodging our fast-track consent application with the Environmental Protection Authority by the end of this year.
"We will continue our engagement with you and others in the local community and mana whenua to shape the project."
The company was planning to hold community open days on Tuesday and Wednesday next week.
"We’re keen to share the latest updates from our project team and independent experts, and encourage you to come along to our upcoming community open days."
Mr Rabbidge said he did not receive the email update.
"That says enough too."
Contact Energy community meetings will be held next week Tuesday, 3.30pm-6.30pm, and Wednesday, 9.30am-12.30pm, at the Wyndham Memorial Hall.
sandy.eggleston@theensign.co.nz
