Wind farms in Australia must undergo detailed environmental impact assessments before they can be approved. These assessments consider potential effects on people, wildlife and their habitat, native vegetation, noise levels and landscape values.
In Victoria, larger projects may require an Environmental Effects Statement (EES) under the Environment Effects Act 1978, as well as a planning permit under the Planning and Environment Act 1987. In New South Wales, large wind farms are assessed as State Significant Developments (SSD) under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. In Queensland, approvals are required under the Planning Act 2016, with major projects assessed by the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA).
These processes typically involve years of technical studies and extensive community consultation and may also require federal assessment. The findings inform permit conditions and management plans, ensuring projects meet strict environmental and social standards throughout construction, operation and decommissioning.
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