General News
17 August, 2023
New wind farm proposed near Clunes
A global energy developer has released its initial plans for a proposed wind farm near Clunes — with an information session planned for the town’s residents tomorrow, community engagement is key to the development of the $700 million project...
A global energy developer has released its initial plans for a proposed wind farm near Clunes — with an information session planned for the town’s residents tomorrow, community engagement is key to the development of the $700 million project.
Estimated to consist of 58 wind turbines, Acciona Energia’s intended 330 megawatts (MW) Nyaninyuk Wind Farm will be located about 12 kilometres away from Clunes, in an area west of Mt Beckworth outside the towns of Evansford and Waubra, which already houses the company’s Waubra wind farm with 128 wind turbines.
The Nyaninyuk project, named in the local language of the Dja Dja Wurrung people for Mt Beckworth, is anticipated to not only bring in an investment of $700 million to the region but will also create 200 employment opportunities at the time of construction.
With the wind farm currently in the early design and planning phase, Pyrenees Shire Council CEO Jim Nolan said it was important locals used this time to engage with the company.
“It is currently in the feasibility stage and Acciona is engaging with the community,” he said.
“We encourage members of the community who may be affected by the development of the wind farm or who would like to have their say to attend one of the information sessions being held by Acciona this month.
“While Acciona has kept council briefed on their proposal, we encourage all wind farm developers not to underestimate the importance of working with local communities, and to engage early with communities when planning these major projects.”
After gathering the community’s input, including feedback on mapping the project’s boundary, Acciona Energia will undertake further consultations as part of preparing an Environmental Effects Statement (EES) — which will gauge the potential ecological impact of the wind farm.
“The feasibility stage includes investigations to confirm the location and the planning process, and to see if an EES is needed,” Mr Nolan said.
“Acciona says there will be a formal consultation process in 2024 and ultimately the Minister for Planning will make a determination about the project.
“Council will continue to engage with Acciona to raise questions or issues about the development,
and later on make a formal submission once all the relevant technical work has been completed and published.”
Nyaninyuk Wind Farm is Acciona Energia’s fourth project in Victoria following the 192 MW Waubra, 132 MW Mt Gellibrand and 157.5 MW Mortlake South wind farms.
“We have a long history developing projects in Victoria and understand the landscape well. What we want to do now is engage with the community early so we can gather initial impressions,” the company’s spokesperson Melanie Sutton said.
“We’ve had a really positive reception from the community since sharing the project. While there’s still a long way to go we’re really looking forward to the upcoming information sessions and gathering feedback from the community.
“The communities around Clunes, Waubra and Evansford are really important to us. The project is not just about creating jobs but also making a positive and lasting contribution to the community.”
The information session for Clunes’ residents will be held tomorrow, August 19, from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm at the Esmond Gallery located within the Clunes Warehouse building on 36 Fraser Street.
A session will also be held at the Evansford Community Centre from 4-7 pm on August 22, and at Waubra Football Netball Club on the same date from 10 am to 1 pm.
More information on the project and the upcoming sessions can be found at community.acciona.com.au/ nyaninyuk