The Victorian Government has approved a new wind farm near Dundonnell in Victoria’s South West that will be the largest in the state and save around 700,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year.
The $650 million wind farm will have 96 turbines and the project is expected to create 300 direct and indirect jobs during construction, up to 16 positions when operational.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said, “The world is shifting to renewable energy and Victoria can’t get left behind.”
When completed, the wind farm will generate 1,000 GwH of clean energy per year, enough to power about 14,000 homes.
Victorian Minister for Planning Richard Wynne said, “Wind farms are expected to attract $35 billion worth of investment nationally by 2020, which is great for jobs, the environment and protecting our way of life.”
The permit approval follows a thorough environment effects statement process that recommended conditions to minimise potential impacts on wildlife, such as reducing overall turbine numbers and buffer zones around wetlands.
The approval of the Dundonnell project is hoped to reinvigorate the renewable energy sector, promote jobs in rural and regional Victoria and deliver practical solutions that better adapt Victoria to a changing climate.
