WestWind Energy’s proposed Warracknabeal Energy Park has been by cleared by Victorian Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny, with the project now moving to federal approval stage.
The Warracknabeal Energy Park, located in Victoria’s Wimmera region, will feature up to 219 wind turbines with a generation capacity exceeding 1.5GW, complemented by battery energy storage. Once operational, the project is expected to be Australia’s largest wind farm.
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WestWind said the wind project represented more than $5 billion in anticipated capital investment, approximately 950 jobs expected during construction, and substantial long-term economic opportunities for landowners, local communities, businesses, and the broader region.
WestWind Energy managing director Tobias Geiger said, “[This] announcement is an important milestone for the Warracknabeal Energy Park and reflects a decade of detailed planning, technical assessment and engagement with the local community.
“Projects of this scale have the potential to make a substantial contribution to Victoria’s future energy supply, support regional economic development and attract further investment in renewable energy and associated infrastructure.
“We are particularly grateful to the landholders, community members and local stakeholders who have engaged with us throughout the development process. Their contribution has been invaluable in shaping the project.”
The approval of the project ensures the delivery of the projects Community Benefit Fund, which once operational will provide more than $12 million over the life of the project to directly support the local community.
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The fund will be overseen by a Community Reference Group (CRG) made up of volunteers from the local community.
