The Victorian Government has approved the Kentbruck Green Power Hub, a 600-megawatt wind farm near Nelson in south-west Victoria, following a detailed environmental assessment process.
In a news release, the government said the project is expected to generate around 2,000 gigawatt hours of renewable energy each year, sufficient to power roughly 380,000 homes.
Construction is projected to create about 350 jobs, with 14 ongoing positions once the wind farm is operational. The project is also intended to support the continued operation of the Portland Aluminium Smelter, one of the region’s largest employers.
The approval follows Victoria’s Environment Effects Statement (EES) process, which included technical studies by the project proponent, a public exhibition period, and review by a joint Inquiry and Advisory Committee (IAC).
According to the government, the committee considered public submissions and evidence presented over a 24-day public hearing.
The government’s assessment, informed by the IAC report, concluded that the project can proceed, subject to additional mitigation measures. These include strengthened protections for endangered bird and bat species, which may involve the removal of up to five turbines, as well as measures to manage visual and landscape impacts in certain locations.
Acting Minister for Planning Gabrielle Williams said the project would provide both cleaner and more affordable energy for Victorian households.
“This wind farm will deliver cheaper, cleaner power for hundreds of thousands of homes across Victoria,” Williams said. “We’re getting on with helping deliver cleaner and cheaper energy projects, while also ensuring that environmental standards remain strong and safeguards are put in place.”
Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio added that the project would contribute to energy reliability. “This wind farm will deliver more affordable, reliable energy for Victorian households by boosting renewable energy supply. We’re helping families keep their power bills down while securing our energy future,” D’Ambrosio said.
