The Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) has released its Handbook for the Development of Renewable Energy in Victoria to guide wind farm developers on how to assess and manage the impacts of renewables projects in the state.
The landmark document provides is a major step forward for Victoria’s planning and approvals process for onshore wind projects, where years of uncertainty have stalled progress and shaken investor confidence.
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The handbook’s release was welcomed by the Clean Energy Council, with general manager planning and environment Bronya Lipski commenting, “For too long, wind farm developers and decision-makers have been stuck in a confusing maze of draft and interim guidance material, especially relating to brolga and bat impact assessment. This has been met with project delays in recent years which has significantly impacted Australia’s transition to clean energy.
“This Handbook brings welcome resolution and creates a pathway forward in Victoria.
“The long-awaited reform, which we have strongly advocated for at the Clean Energy Council, is about getting the balance right between robust environmental assessment and the urgent need to build clean energy infrastructure to power Victoria and the nation.”
Key improvements outlined in the handbook include:
- Resolution of brolga impact guidance, replacing outdated interim material with a clear, science-based framework allowing better environmental protection alongside timely decision-making. The longstanding uncertainty around brolga impact assessment has been a significant barrier for projects in western Victoria;
- More predictable environmental impact assessment processes, reducing uncertainty for all parties;
- Greater clarity, helping to improve assessment timeframes and address costly delays in permit decisions; and
- Fair and transparent transitional arrangements that protect projects already in the approvals pipeline.
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“Since the Willatook Wind Farm recommendations in mid-2023, we have consistently called for resolution to the brolga and bat impact stalemate that has made it nearly impossible for developers to progress onshore wind projects in Victoria,” Lipski said.
“This is a big win for common sense and collaboration.”
