The NSW Independent Planning Commission (IPC) has approved the Bowmans Creek Wind Farm. In its Statement of Reasons for the decision, the IPC noted that the site is suitable for renewable energy development given its location within the Hunter-Central Coast REZ, proximity to existing electricity transmission networks, topography, wind resources, access to the regional road network, and avoidance of major environmental constraints.

After receiving more than 50 unique submissions objecting to the application during the public exhibition of its environmental impact statement (EIS) in 2022, the then NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) completed its assessment and referred the application to the IPC for determination.​

After consideration the IPC granted consent, subject to conditions which seek to prevent, minimise or offset adverse impacts, and to ensure ongoing monitoring and management of any residual impacts. The conditions address concerns raised by the community and stakeholders, and include limiting the development to a maximum of 54 wind turbines and 335 MW, visual impact mitigation measures, noise monitoring, managing traffic and transport in consultation with the local community, and decommissioning and rehabilitation of the site at the end of the project life.

Documentation for the project’s assessment and determination is available from the Bowmans Creek Wind Farm page in the NSW Government’s Major Projects portal

The project is a controlled action under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). The EPBC Act assessment has been completed by the NSW Government under a bilateral agreement, however final approval is required from the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy the Environment and Water (DCCEEW). In accordance with the bilateral process DCCEEW will make its decision within the statutory timeframe based on the recommendation and report from the NSW Government.

Conditions of approval set by the IPC must be completed prior to commencing construction. Post approval development activities are currently in progress.

Download the Bowmans Creek Wind Farm Newsletter -February 2024