Community
22 May, 2025
Proposed 106-turbine wind farm progressing
THE Hexham Wind Farm is progressing in its bid to construct a 106-turbine wind farm outside Mortlake.
Developer Wind Prospect is currently progressing the Hexham Wind Farm through the environmental and planning approvals phase, and is now undertaking an Environment Effects Statement (EES).
The proposed 106-turbine project, with a Battery Energy Storage System and temporary on-site quarry to provide materials in the construction stage, would be located 15 kilometres outside Mortlake between Hexham, Caramut and Ellerslie.
The project is proposed to be co-located on agricultural land used for sheep and cattle grazing, in addition to some cropping, which would all continue alongside the project.
Wind Prospect this week hosted community engagement sessions at Mortlake, Hexham, Caramut and Ellerslie, which Wind Prospect senior development manager Rory McManus said was vital to ensure the project progressed with sufficient community feedback.
“We’ve been engaging with the local community for a number of years now, and that input continues to play a vital role in shaping the proposed Hexham Wind Farm,” he said.
“Our recent sessions in Mortlake, Hexham, Caramut and Ellerslie were held as we work towards submission of the Environment Effects Statement later this year.
“They provided an opportunity to share early findings from technical studies and hear directly from the community.”
Mr McManus said the sessions proved beneficial with the community providing meaningful feedback.
“We’ve had constructive and thoughtful conversations, including around visual and noise impacts, cultural heritage, environmental values, and the economic opportunities the project could bring through local jobs and investment,” he said.
“We’re committed to ongoing engagement and to delivering a project that reflects the needs and expectations of the local community.”
Wind Prospect expects to lodge the EES with the Victorian Government later this year.
Once exhibited, the community will be able to review the documents and provide formal feedback to the State Government as part of the public submission process.
Once constructed, the Hexham Wind Farm is expected to generate enough clean energy to power around 515,000 homes annually.
Construction is anticipated to support approximately 360 jobs, with 24 ongoing operational roles.
A $20,000 per year sponsorship fund is in place during development, which will transition into a long-term Community Benefit Fund once the wind farm is operational.
To learn more, visit https://www.hexhamwindfarm.com.au.
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