The Allan Labor Government has given the green light for a major wind farm project in south west Victoria to go ahead - a project that will be able to power hundreds of thousands of homes with cheaper and cleaner energy.
The green light has been given to the Kentbruck Green Power Hub near Nelson, with the Labor Government confirming the project can proceed following Victoria's rigorous Environment Effects Statement (EES) process.
The 600-megawatt wind farm will include up to 105 turbines and generate around 2,000 gigawatt hours of renewable energy each year - enough to power approximately 380,000 homes.
The project is expected to create around 350 jobs during construction and 14 ongoing roles once operational, while also supporting the continued operation of the Portland Aluminium Smelter - one of the region's largest employers.
The EES process included extensive technical studies prepared by the proponent and a public exhibition period, allowing the community to review additional material and have their say.
A joint Inquiry and Advisory Committee (IAC) then considered the EES, public submissions and evidence presented during a 24-day public hearing, where the community and experts were able to have their say through an independent review.
The Minister's assessment was informed by the IAC's report and concluded the project can proceed, subject to further refinements and mitigation measures to ensure acceptable environmental outcomes.
These include stronger protections for endangered bird and bat species - including the potential removal of five turbines - as well as additional measures to manage landscape and visual impacts in specific locations.
The Labor Government continues to back projects that are delivering cleaner and cheaper energy projects - while making sure environmental standards remain strong.
As stated by Acting Minister for Planning Gabrielle Williams
"This wind farm will deliver cheaper, cleaner power for hundreds of thousands of homes across Victoria."
"We're getting on with helping deliver cleaner and cheaper energy projects, while also ensuring that environmental standards remain strong and safeguards are put in place."
As stated by Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D'Ambrosio
"This wind farm will deliver more affordable, reliable energy for Victorian households by boosting renewable energy supply, we're helping families keep their power bills down while securing our energy future."
