The public exhibition period for the project’s Development Application (DA) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) closed on Monday 25 September at 5pm.

A total of 160 representations were made to the Central Highlands Council (Council), the responsible planning authority.

The project team thanks everyone who took the time to read the wind farm documents and to those who put in a submission.

The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has sought clarification from Ark Energy on matters raised by State government agencies and the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), as well as the public and other relevant stakeholders. Ark Energy is working on a supplementary report to respond to these matters.

Following submission of the supplementary report, the EPA will undertake its assessment of the project. If the EPA determines the project to be acceptable it will provide approval conditions to Council. Council has appointed an independent planning consultant to assess the application on its behalf. Council will consider the recommendation of their independent planning consultant and make their determination on the DA against the provisions of the planning scheme, considering representations received.

Following Council’s determination the project will then be subject to approval by DCCEEW under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)

The project team is working towards an anticipated approval date in late 2024.

A neighbour participation program is available to residents who live within 3 km of a proposed wind turbine location. If you feel that you may be eligible to participate in this program and have not yet spoken to the project team, please contact us. Please note, all wind turbine locations are at least 3 km from the settlements of Wilburville, Flintstone, Shannon and Penstock Lagoon.

Download the St Patricks Plains Wind Farm Update - October 2023