WARRACKNABEAL ENERGY PARK
Project Summary
| LOCATION: | Yarriambiack Shire, Vic |
| TURBINES: | up to 207 |
| TOTAL TIP HEIGHT: | up to 280 m |
| WIND TURBINE ROTOR | up to 200 m diameter |
| INSTALLED CAPACITY: | approx. 1500 MW |
| ENERGY PRODUCTION: | approx. 5200 GWh annually |
| HOMES POWERED: | approx. 1.1 million homes |
| GREEN HOUSE SAVINGS: | >4.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually |
| SITE AREA: | approx. 25,000 ha |
| STATUS: | Environmental assessment, planning and permitting phase. |
About The Project
The Warracknabeal Energy Park is located on approximately 21,000 hectares of agricultural cropping farm land to the west of the township of Warracknabeal. The development will consist of up to 206 turbines with an installed capacity of approximately 1,500 MW. This will provide power for around 1.1 million average Victorian homes annually and reduce yearly carbon dioxide emissions by more than 4.2 million tonnes.
In 2017, WestWind Energy began monitoring the wind resource in early 2017, and determined the site was ideal for a wind energy facility. WestWind Energy lodged environmental referrals in early 2023 and is now preparing an Environmental Effects Statement (EES). WestWind expects to lodge the EES, along with a planning permit application, in mid to late 2024.
Community Benefits
Once operational, a community fund will be established to share the financial benefits of the project with $2,000 per turbine per year to support a range of benefit schemes including community-based initiatives, projects and events that benefit local communities around the wind farm.
The fund will target a range of community needs including health and social welfare, safety, environment, education and youth, sport and recreation, culture, arts and economic development.
The fund will be overseen by a Community Reference Group (CRG) made up of a group of volunteers from the local community. The role of the CRG is to enhance communication between WestWind Energy and the community; enhance WestWind’s understanding of community issues; encourage community partnerships; and, ensure the local community benefits as a result of the wind farm project. All funding programs will be developed in close consultation with the local community.
Host Landholder Benefits
The wind farm will provide an annual income for all host landholders. This economic boost to farmers enables them to secure supplementary income annually, for decades, through lease arrangements with the wind farm. This income provides a stable addition to farming income and helps to counteract swings of commodity prices. This sustains the farming practice and diversifies farming revenue for years to come.
The roads constructed for turbine access give landholders all weather access across their property which improves stock management practices and bushfire access.
Neighbour Benefits
The Neighbour Benefits Sharing Program will provide an annual financial incentive for close neighbours of the wind farm so they can share in the economic benefits of the project across its operational lifecycle.
Annual payments commence when major construction works are underway on the wind energy facility. Payments will continue through the life of the project until the wind turbines are decommissioned, typically in the 25-35 year range.
The Program will be offered to neighbouring properties located within 6km of proposed wind turbine locations with the level of payment calculated on proximity to the nearest constructed turbine.
If you would like to contact WestWind in relation to this project, please contact us at info@warracknabealenergypark.com.au or (03) 5421 9999.