400MW wind farm given nod in Australia

Woolnorth Renewables has been granted state planning permission for a 400MW wind farm in Victoria, Australia.

The Victorian Government has granted a permit for the developer to construct the Mt Fyans project.

The 81-turbine wind farm will be built on private land to the north of Mortlake in southwest Victoria.

Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny announced the approval of the project, which is the third largest wind farm to be approved by the Allan Labour government in 10 years.

Commenting on the permit, Kilkenny said: “We’re making good decisions faster that will still protect the local environment, while providing Victorian households with cheaper energy.”

Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio added: “The Mt Fyans Wind Farm will not only provide cheaper and reliable energy for hundreds of thousands of Victorians – it’ll also provide a major boost to the economy of southwest Victoria.”

The wind farm is set to create more than 100 jobs during construction, as well as 10 full-time local jobs once it becomes operational.

Wind is the biggest contributor to renewable electricity generation in Victoria, with 21% of the state’s monthly electricity generation coming from wind farms in the first half of 2025.

The Mt Fyans project was referred to a planning panel for consideration and included wide-ranging consultation with residents, community groups and government agencies.

The panel recommended the project could proceed, with measures taken to protect local biodiversity, including bats and brolgas.

Woolnorth Renewables’ acting general manager Chris Sims said: “It’s been a long journey for our host landholders, and this is a very significant milestone for the project and a valuable contribution to the renewable energy transition.

“The Mt Fyans wind farm project is waiting on approval under the Commonwealth Environment Protection (Biodiversity Conservation) Act, and we are actively working to have this approval issued as soon as possible.”

Woolnorth Renewables continues to progress key elements of the project but remains cautious until the project’s Commonwealth approval is issued.

The company currently owns and operates three wind farms in Tasmania. These are Bluff Point wind farm, Studland Bay, and Musselroe (pictured).

Together, these wind farms produce approximately 10% of the state’s electricity annually.

More information:https://renews.biz/102847/400mw-wind-farm-given-nod-in-australia/