A bold move by the Victoria state government has sparked controversy and divided opinions. In a year that saw only three other wind projects approved, the government gave the green light to a small but powerful wind project, raising questions and concerns from various quarters.
The Power of Small: Unveiling Victoria's Wind Project
The Swansons Lane proposal, a 36-megawatt wind project, may be small in scale, but it packs a punch. With the approval of five turbines, each standing at an impressive height of up to 252 meters, this project will soon be home to some of Australia's most powerful turbines.
But here's where it gets controversial: the project's location. Situated just outside the proposed Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) and near the Terang battery, a 100-megawatt, two-hour battery currently under construction, the project's approval has left many scratching their heads.
And this is the part most people miss: the challenge of building such a small project may be the very reason why so few wind projects are making it through the planning process. RE Future, the developer behind this project, lodged their application in February 2024, proposing turbines with tip heights ranging from 230 to 252 meters and generating between 6 and 7 megawatts of electricity each.
The state received a significant number of objections, with 116 submissions expressing concerns about the size of the turbines, limited community engagement, and the project's location outside the proposed REZ. Opponents also raised valid points about potential impacts on bird and bat life, bushfire risks, aviation safety, electromagnetic interference, and the perceived devaluation of neighboring properties.
In response, the developer highlighted that farming activities will continue around the turbines, ensuring that land remains in production. Community consultation efforts included information sessions, face-to-face meetings, mailouts, newsletter updates, and briefings with local councils.
However, these efforts were not enough to quell the concerns of the Corangamite and Moyne shire councils, who, alongside Seagas, pointed out the presence of a high-pressure gas pipeline in the area. The developer referred the project for federal environmental oversight under the EPBC Act in July 2024, and it was deemed a controlled action five months later.
The Moyne and Corangamite Shires expressed their disappointment in a joint press release, with Cr Kate Makin, the Corangamite Shire Mayor, stating, "The developer has shown little respect for our community by failing to engage with affected landowners throughout the application process."
Makin further emphasized that the project's approval is difficult to comprehend, given its location outside the State Government's proposed Renewable Energy Zones and its failure to meet many of the guidelines in the draft Victorian Transmission Plan.
Cr Jordan Lockett, the Moyne Shire Mayor, echoed these sentiments, adding that the lack of engagement has resulted in limited information about the potential community and economic benefits of the proposed wind farm. Lockett highlighted the objections from the community, with over 100 submissions lodged against the application, and maintained that the proximity of the wind farm to the Garvoc township, less than 5 kilometers away, is simply too close for comfort, especially given the prime agricultural land in the area.
As the project moves forward, the Corangamite Shire councillors will consider making a formal submission against the approval permit at their upcoming meeting later this month. Cr Makin encourages affected community members to submit their opinions before the deadline on February 2, 2026.
This controversial decision has sparked a debate about the balance between renewable energy development and community engagement. What are your thoughts on this matter? Do you believe that the benefits of renewable energy projects outweigh the potential impacts on local communities and the environment? Share your insights and join the discussion in the comments below!
