- Published:
- Monday 18 July 2016
A new $650 million windfarm near Dundonnell in Victoria’s South West has been given the green light by the Andrews Labor Government.
The 96-turbine windfarm at Dundonnell is the biggest windfarm approved by the Labor Government and reflects the confidence renewable companies have in Victoria.
The project is expected to create 300 direct and indirect jobs during construction, up to 16 positions when operational.
It will generate 1,000 GwH of clean energy per year, enough to power about 140,000 homes.
The windfarm will save an estimated 700,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year, the equivalent of removing 170,000 cars from our roads, positioning Victoria to better deal with climate change challenges.
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 another example of the Labor Government’s work 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.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“There’s nothing ugly about windfarms, because there’s nothing ugly about jobs.”
“The world is shifting to renewable energy and Victoria can’t get left behind.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning Richard Wynne
“The Andrews Labor Government streamlined windfarm approvals early last year, which has revived Victoria’s renewable industry after the Liberals almost killed it.”
“Windfarms 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.”