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Multiple Victorian Renewable Energy Projects Advance Through Planning Stages, Face Community Opposition

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Three Renewable Energy Projects Face Off in Victoria

Warracknabeal Energy Park, Kentbruck Green Energy Hub, and Blue Mackerel Offshore Wind Farm Navigate Planning, Approval, and Community Opposition

Warracknabeal Energy Park

Approval and Scope

The Victorian government has granted environmental approval for what could become the largest wind farm in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Warracknabeal Energy Park, proposed by WestWind Energy, is planned to consist of 219 wind turbines across 26,000 hectares of farmland near Warracknabeal, Victoria.

Environmental Assessment

According to the government, the project underwent an Environment Effects Statement (EES) process, which included technical studies, community consultation, and a public inquiry. Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny stated that the EES demonstrated the project could proceed while meeting Victoria's environmental standards.

Project Output and Economic Impact

The wind farm is expected to deliver over 1.5 gigawatts of renewable energy, enough to power up to 1.2 million homes. It is projected to:

  • Reduce carbon emissions by more than 4.2 million tonnes annually
  • Generate 12.5% of Victoria's future energy needs
  • Create nearly 950 construction jobs and ongoing local operational roles

WestWind Energy managing director Tobias Geiger said the EES process allowed broad community input and that the company worked with the community for years to refine the proposal.

Opposition and Concerns

Local opposition groups, including the Wimmera Mallee Environmental and Agricultural Protection Association and some farmers, have raised concerns.

Association president Ross Johns claimed the planning panel's report contained errors and that impacts on human health, noise, and visual amenity were not properly considered.

He stated the opposition is not to renewable projects generally but to what he described as an inadequate process. Horsham Rural City Council Mayor Brian Klowss expressed concerns about local infrastructure impacts, including housing availability and road wear from the construction workforce influx.

Next Steps

Federal environmental approval is still required.

Kentbruck Green Energy Hub

Project Scope and Location

The Kentbruck Green Energy Hub, proposed by developer HMC Capital, is a 600-megawatt wind turbine project in south-west Victoria. The project involves the construction of:

  • 105 wind turbines, some reaching up to 270 meters in height
  • Situated within active pine plantations between Nelson and Portland

The energy hub is designed to supply power to the Port of Portland, the Portland Aluminium Smelter, and local homes. Its proposed location is in proximity to protected environmental areas, including Ramsar-listed wetlands and the Discovery Bay Coastal Park.

Planning Progress

Victorian Acting Planning Minister Gabrielle Williams stated that the approval of the environmental effects statement (EES) represents a step towards the project's construction, while noting that final approvals are still required.

Blue Mackerel Offshore Wind Farm

Project Details

International joint venture JERA Nex BP proposes constructing the Blue Mackerel offshore wind farm, consisting of:

  • 60 to 70 turbines located 10 kilometers from shore along the Ninety Mile Beach
  • Spanning a 163-square-kilometer ocean area between Seaspray and Woodside

The company states the wind farm could generate 1 gigawatt of renewable energy annually by 2033, capable of powering 750,000 homes. In December, the federal government granted the project major project status.

Community Opposition

Approximately 400 individuals attended a protest meeting to express concerns.

Residents, represented by Seaspray Wind Farm Strategy Group spokesman Marty Jackson, cited visual amenity as a primary concern, noting the area's "pristine beach and unhindered views." Other issues raised include:

  • Potential impacts on the town's social fabric
  • Mental health concerns
  • Noise and light pollution
  • Preservation of natural night sky views

Resident Gillian McIwain expressed concern about VicGrid's plans for two shoreline crossing areas to connect offshore wind farms to the electricity grid.

Mr. Jackson stated that the group is not against renewables but objects to the turbines' proximity to the shore and called for the Victorian government to reject the proposal. He noted that other wind farm proponents offer greater gigawatt returns at further distances.

Developer's Response

David Ghaly, project director for Blue Mackerel, acknowledged the community's concerns. He stated that the project is restricted to a Commonwealth government-awarded license area, which is within 10km of the shore, making turbine visibility unavoidable.

Ghaly indicated the company is attempting to shift the discussion to a community benefits program to ensure the project is responsible over its projected 35-year lifespan.

Mr. Jackson stated that the community is not interested in benefits but in the project's impact.

Government Stance

A spokesperson for federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen noted that the Blue Mackerel Offshore Wind Project is in its early feasibility stage, and no final decisions have been made regarding its progression or turbine placement.