The Victorian Government has given the go-ahead to a $662 million wind farm near Horsham in western Victoria.
The 116-turbine wind farm at Murra Warra has the potential to remove more than one million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year from the Victorian electricity generation sector, and will supply enough clean electricity to power 250,000 homes.
The project is expected to create 610 direct and indirect jobs during construction, 15 local positions when operational and up to 45 jobs in the region.
In a boost for the local community, the wind farm operators RES are also providing a community fund to the value of $1000 per turbine per year to support local projects and causes.
The proposal was supported by the community with no objections received when the application was advertised for consultation.
The project will help meet the government’s targets for electricity generated in Victoria coming from renewable energy – 25 per cent by 2020 and 40 per cent by 2025.
Achieving Victoria’s targets will mean about $2.5 billion is invested in the renewable energy sector, and by 2020, more than 3000 additional jobs in the sector.
Victoria’s energy sector is undergoing a significant transformation. The emergence of new technologies, greater choice of products and services, and greenhouse gas emissions reduction are changing how Victorians use and interact with energy.
Victorian Minister for Planning Richard Wynne, said, “We are paving the way for investment and more jobs in the wind sector and made it clear Victoria is the best location for new wind farms.
“This year we’ve approved 228 turbines across four wind farms – that shows the market is responding to the streamlined approvals process we introduced, and it demonstrates the confidence companies have in investing in Victoria.”
Victorian Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio, said, “We’re proud to be transitioning Victoria to a net zero, climate resilient community and economy.
“This 116 turbine project will play an important role in us delivering on our nation leading renewable energy targets.”
Victorian Member for Western Victoria Region, Jaala Pulford, said, “This is a win for Western Victoria and a win for the environment. This is the type of clean energy investment the Andrews Labor Government is proud to support.”
