Woolnorth Renewables’ 400MW Mt Fyans Wind Farm, proposed for a site near Mortlake in Victoria, has received planning approval from the Victorian Government, making it the third largest wind farm to be approved by the state government in 10 years.
Related article: Victorian Transmission Plan released to mixed reviews
The 81-turbine wind 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.
The project is located in the South-West Renewable Energy Zone—one of six areas identified as most suitable to host new renewable energy generation across Victoria through the Victorian Transmission Plan.
Victoria has met every renewable energy target it has set to date and is well on the way to meeting the next ones of 65% renewable energy generation by 2030 and 95% by 2035.
Victorian Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny said “We’re making good decisions faster that will still protect the local environment, while providing Victorian households with cheaper energy.”
Related article: Safety inspection blitz for wind farms across Victoria
Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio commented, “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 South-West Victoria.”