The Victorian Government has approved the Environment Effects Statement (EES) for the Warracknabeal Energy Park, a proposed 219-turbine project described as the largest wind farm in the Southern Hemisphere once completed.
In a news release, Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny said the approval represents a significant milestone in the state assessment process for the project.
“This is a major step towards delivering the biggest wind farm in the Southern Hemisphere, right here in Victoria,” Kilkenny said.
The government said the project, if fully developed, would generate more than 1.5 gigawatts of renewable energy, with the capacity to power up to 1.2 million homes. It is also expected to account for around 12.5 per cent of Victoria’s future energy needs, according to the announcement.
The Warracknabeal Energy Park is also projected to become the highest producing wind facility in the state. Construction is expected to create close to 950 jobs, with additional ongoing employment once the project becomes operational.
Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio said the development would significantly expand Victoria’s renewable energy capacity.
“This project would be a massive boost to Victoria’s renewable energy capacity – powering more than one million homes with cheaper, cleaner energy,” D’Ambrosio said.
The government said the project has undergone Victoria’s Environment Effects Statement process, which includes technical assessments, community consultation, and a public inquiry.
Kilkenny said the assessment process confirmed the project could proceed while meeting environmental standards.
“This rigorous EES process has shown this project can go ahead while meeting Victoria’s environmental standards,” she said.
The government also said further approvals are still required before a final decision is made, including consideration under Commonwealth environmental laws.
It added that projects of this scale are part of efforts to support Victoria’s renewable energy targets of 65 per cent by 2030 and 95 per cent by 2035.
