Welcome

The Naroghid Wind Farm project (NWF) is located approximately 7km south east of Camperdown in south west Victoria, Australia. The site has previously received a development approval for up to 21 wind turbines in 2008 but is being redesigned and re consented to reflect the new technology with up to 12 new wind turbine generators proposed making a total capacity of 43.2-48MW depending on the final turbine selection. Total capital cost is estimated at AUD$90-$100 million. The generation of wind power at NWF will help meet Victoria’s growing demand for green power as well as providing construction and ongoing jobs in rural and regional Victoria.

Timeline

2004 – Original Fact Sheet released.
2004 - Minister determined as the Responsible Authority for Wind Energy Facilities.
2005 Revised Fact Sheet released
2005 - Panel Hearing convened.
2006 – Ministers approval as Responsible Authority.
2007/8 - Wind Monitoring ongoing.
2009 – Minister extends completion date.
2011 – Endorsed Development Plans lodged.
2012 - An application to VCAT to review time expiry on Development Plans.
2013 VCAT determines 2km applicable.
2014 decision not to appeal.
2015 new Victorian Government repeals 2km setback to 1km.
2016 VRET announced at 25% by 2020 and 40% by 2025 needing a new build of 5400MW.
2017 project acquired by Alinta Energy.

project benefits

Generating Capacity: 43.2-48MW.
Greenhouse Gas Savings/Year: approximately 210,000 tonnes CO2 equivalent.
Homes Powered: approximately 37,000 homes.
Capital Cost: approximately AUD$90-$100m.
40-48 FTE positions during construction.
4-6 ongoing direct FTE positions.
Local economy direct jobs 33.
Indirect jobs created in Australia 99.
Australian spend AUD$45-$60m.
Victoria has 17% of national wind capacity and 20% of all WTG’s in Australia.
NWF could lift the Victoria share by 11%.
May 2017 Economic Impact Study from independent economic consultants Hudson Howells commissioned for the planning application.
Local Contractors EOIs can be provided here.

contacts

All contact at this stage should be directed by email to;

info@naroghidwindfarm.net

Closer to the main construction phase of the project, please watch this page and tab for details on over dimension, over weight traffic movements, major project milestones, open days and other construction news and updates.

There is a project specific contact form available here.

The FAQ section has the answers to a number of common queries with respect to Wind Farms. Click here.

Any property owner within 3km of the site should use the project specific contact form here to register their interest in the Community Fund and project updates.

planning

On this page and tab updates on planning matters related to the wind farm project will be posted.

This will include the Planning Permit, Endorsed Development Plan requirements and pre and post construction monitoring required under various permit conditions and management plans. The Vic Govt Planning Wind Farm Guidelines contain sample permit conditions to give an example of what these may be. View here.

The Planning Permit Application public exhibition period has been completed and submissions are with the Minister who is the Responsible Authority for wind farms in Victoria. The Minister will review the submissions and the applicants response with a view to issuing a Notice of Decision in late Jan or early Feb 2018.

Location.

The proposed wind farm site is approximately 40km inland from the coast and 30km from the nearest National or State park. Located in the Shire of Corangamite about 7km south east of Camperdown and 10km south east of Terang, the project site (approximately 600ha) consists of cleared agricultural land used for intensive dairy farming. Corangamite Shire’s landfill rubbish tip and recycling centre adjoins the site.

Other Wind Energy References

wind farm planning guidelines

The Victorian Government DELWP web site has a Wind Energy page which contains the latest Wind Energy Facility Policy and Planning Guidelines, the Plan Changes and Sample Planning Permit Conditions here. A list of all the Wind Projects in Victoria can also be viewed here.

clean energy council

The Clean Energy Council provides a number of fact sheets and researched reports & publications on topical issues with respect to Wind Energy in Australia such as health, decommissioning, property price impacts, benefits, community engagement and suggested best practice guidelines. These can be viewed here.

wind farms a guide for communities

A recommended publication for communities and or neighbours new to a wind farm can be viewed here. Some Councils use Community Engagement Committees (CEC) as a key part of their approach. Details on the sample CEC are available here.

benefits of wind energy in australia

Wind energy is the least expensive form of large-scale renewable energy generation capable of meeting Australia's international, national and State based targets. Wind farming can help farmers generate vital extra income, make better use of land, and ensure against market downturns. Wind farms also provide jobs.

Community Engagement

For Fact Sheets summarising the project history click here.
For details on the proposed Community Fund should the project proceed click here.
For details on the the type of Community Engagement Committee envisaged for the project click here.
For details on the projects Planning status and updates click here.
To contact the project proponent using the form on this web site click here.
Local Contractors Expressions of Interest for project can be completed here.

Economic Benefits

A 2012 SKM study on the economic benefits of wind farms in Australia found that, for every 50 MW in capacity, a wind farm delivered the following benefits:

Direct employment of up to 48 construction workers, with each worker spending approximately $25,000 in the local area in shops, restaurants, hotels and other services – a total of up to $1.2 million
Direct employment of around five staff – a total annual input of $125,000 spent in the local economy
Indirect employment during the construction phase of approximately 160 people locally, 504 state jobs and 795 nationwide jobs
Up to $250,000 per year for farmers in land rental income and $36,000 on community projects each year. Full report here.