Once constructed, Kentbruck Green Power Hub will become Victoria's second-largest wind farm, featuring up to 105 turbines and generating approximately 2,000 GWh of renewable energy annually - enough to power around 380,000 homes and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2.4 million tonnes per annum.
The project will deliver significant economic and environmental benefits, including:
- Around 350 jobs during construction and 14 ongoing roles once operational.
- A commitment of $1 million annually to an ecological fund, focussed on the recovery of the critically endangered Southern Bent-wing Bat and other endangered species.
- A Shared Benefits Strategy incorporating a Neighbour Benefit Plan, Aboriginal Participation Plan, and Community Enhancement Plan.
The EES was extensive, involving 21 report chapters and 27 technical reports, equating to thousands of pages of assessment documentation. A joint Inquiry and Advisory Committee considered the EES, 214 public submissions, and detailed expert evidence, over the course of a 24-day public hearing.
The MinterEllison team, led by Joshua Dellios (Partner, Environment & Planning), alongside Andrea Harwood (Associate), Dani Ferretti (Associate), and Jemima Jacobson (Lawyer) have been advising on the project since 2022, navigating a range of complex environmental, planning, and stakeholder issues. The team worked closely with Counsel Barnaby Chessell SC, Jordan Wright, and Alexandra Guild, as well as 15 independent expert witnesses.
Joshua Dellios, Partner at MinterEllison, said: "We are proud to have supported HMC Capital through one of Victoria's most rigorous environmental assessment processes. This approval is the culmination of years of detailed planning, assessments, technical studies, and collaboration with stakeholders to ensure the project meets the highest environmental standards. Kentbruck Green Power Hub is a transformational project that will not only deliver cleaner, cheaper energy, but also create jobs, strengthen regional economies, and provide lasting benefits for local communities and biodiversity. It's a privilege to play a role in shaping Victoria's renewable energy future."
