Victoria's Minister for Planning, Sonya Kilkenny, has approved the Warracknabeal Energy Park, a WestWind Energy project in the Wimmera region. The proposal now moves to the federal approval stage. The wind farm would feature up to 219 turbines with a generation capacity exceeding 1.5 GW, complemented by battery energy storage. Once operational, it would be Australia's largest wind farm.

The global wind sector is seeing a growing number of large-scale projects. Northland completed the installation of all 73 Hai Long turbines in Taiwan, while DEME won the contract to install 69 turbines at the Zeevonk offshore wind farm in the Netherlands. The Victorian project stands out for the number of turbines planned.

An investment of more than $5 billion announced

According to WestWind, the project represents more than $5 billion in anticipated capital investment. The company estimates that about 950 jobs are expected during the construction phase. It also points to long-term economic benefits for landowners, local communities, businesses and the broader region.

These figures come from the developer and have not been independently verified. The project still needs federal approval before any construction can begin.

WestWind's managing director cites a decade of planning

Tobias Geiger, managing director of WestWind Energy, described the announcement as an "important milestone" that reflects "a decade of detailed planning, technical assessment and engagement with the local community". He said projects of this scale can make a substantial contribution to Victoria's future energy supply. He added that they can support regional economic development and attract further investment in renewable energy and associated infrastructure.

The executive also thanked the landholders, community members and local stakeholders who engaged with the company throughout development. In his view, their contribution was invaluable in shaping the project.

A community fund of more than $12 million

The approval ensures delivery of the project's Community Benefit Fund. Once the wind farm is operational, the fund will provide more than $12 million over the life of the project to directly support the local community.

A Community Reference Group made up of volunteers from the local community will oversee the fund.