Woolnorth Renewables has received state planning approval to build the 400 megawatt Mt Fyans wind farm in southwest Victoria, marking a key step forward for one of the region’s larger renewable energy projects.
The Victorian Government granted a permit for the 81-turbine wind farm, which is planned for private land north of Mortlake. The project is the third-largest wind development to be approved by the Allan Labor government in the past decade.
“We’re making good decisions faster that will still protect the local environment, while providing Victorian households with cheaper energy,” said Victoria’s Minister for Planning, Sonya Kilkenny.
The Mt Fyans project is expected to generate more than 100 jobs during the construction phase and support 10 ongoing full-time roles once operational. According to the state government, the project will contribute to Victoria’s renewable energy supply and help reduce electricity costs for residents.
“The Mt Fyans Wind Farm will not only provide cheaper and reliable energy for hundreds of thousands of Victorians – it’ll also provide a major boost to the economy of southwest Victoria,” said Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio.
Wind power currently accounts for 21% of Victoria’s monthly electricity generation, making it the largest source of renewable electricity in the state.
The Mt Fyans project underwent a public consultation process, which included feedback from local residents, community groups, and government agencies. A planning panel recommended the project proceed, subject to conditions aimed at protecting local biodiversity, including safeguards for bats and brolgas.
Woolnorth Renewables is still awaiting federal environmental approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act before construction can begin.
“It’s been a long journey for our host landholders, and this is a very significant milestone for the project and a valuable contribution to the renewable energy transition,” said Chris Sims, acting general manager of Woolnorth Renewables. “We are actively working to have [Commonwealth] approval issued as soon as possible.”
The company currently operates three wind farms in Tasmania—Bluff Point, Studland Bay, and Musselroe—which together supply around 10% of Tasmania’s annual electricity needs.
