WestWind Energy has submitted an application to amend its planning permit for the Golden Plains Wind Farm with the Victorian Government.
WestWind Energy has lodged the amendment application with the Victorian Minister for Planning for the following reasons:
- To seek approval on a modified site plan for turbines and associated infrastructure that complies with the Brolga Breeding Buffer permit condition;
- To slightly amend the Brolga Monitoring and Compensation Plan condition, so that it will be more straight forward to facilitate successful delivery during the plan’s implementation;
- To improve clarity on a permit condition relating to surface water levels during flood events; and
- To seek an approval for the increase in the size of the turbine rotor diameter from 150m to 165m to allow more current turbine technology to be installed. The tip height will not change from 230 metres as currently permitted.
In early February, WestWind Energy will hold three community drop-in sessions, for community members to find out more about the amendment:
- 10am to 4pm, Thursday 4 February: Rokewood Hall
- 9am to 12pm, Saturday 6 February: Barunah Park Hall
- 4 to 7.30pm, Wednesday 10 February: Rokewood Hall
For more information on the project and the amendment, click here.
The Golden Plains Wind Farm is set to be one of the largest wind farms in Australia, with a revised 215 wind turbines to be built in the area around Rokewood. The Golden Plains Wind Farm will be the largest development ever undertaken in Golden Plains, delivering significant economic outcomes to the community and the region, particularly in terms of job creation and infrastructure development.
Golden Plains is an attractive location for investment in wind generation given its suitable land, proximity to the power grid, ready access to workforce and the Port of Geelong, and ideal climatic conditions. The project will be the third wind farm in Golden Plains, following the Mount Mercer Wind Farm, a 64 turbine project which became operational in 2014 and the 79 turbine Berrybank Wind Farm which is nearing completion of stage one on the border between Golden Plains and Corangamite Shires.