Bowmans Creek Wind Farm Stage 2 is a proposal for an additional 21 wind turbines in the centre of the project area. Stage 2 will require a separate development application and technical assessments are being prepared by environmental and social consultancy Umwelt for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

Following are updates on the progress of the assessments for Stage 2, including for traffic and transport, landscape and visual impact, noise, Aboriginal cultural heritage, social impacts and economic impacts.

A Traffic and Transport Impact Assessment (TTIA) is being prepared to assess the traffic and transportation impacts of the project, particularly during construction. This includes heavy vehicles needed to deliver wind turbines, as well as other vehicle movements such as worker transport and material supply. The TTIA results, including any recommended mitigations will be included in the EIS. A preliminary route study has also been done to identify key routes from Newcastle port to the project. The proposed route for over-size, over-mass (OSOM) vehicles is shown in the image below.

A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) is being prepared to assess the visual impacts of the project. Preliminary findings include:

• A simple (desktop) assessment reviewing the potential visual impacts of the project on 21 non-associated dwellings, identified 18 dwellings requiring further assessment.
• Of the 18 dwellings, intermediate (more detailed, but still desktop) assessment identified five (5) dwellings requiring detailed assessment.
• The detailed assessment (informed by a site visit) is currently being undertaken and will include photomontages of the five (5) subject dwellings and public viewpoints.

Significant impacts are not anticipated, however where relevant, the LVIA will include management and mitigation measures to reduce potential impacts on visual amenity.

A Noise Impact Assessment (NIA) is currently being progressed to assess the potential noise and vibration impacts of the project. During construction, operation and decommissioning phases of the project, the proposed activities may generate noise impacts at proximal landholders. A detailed NIA is being prepared to assess this and, along with any recommended mitigations, will appear in the EIS. Noise from wind turbines is a key focus and we are aiming to achieve compliance with relevant guidelines in all instances.

An Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment (ACHA) is being prepared, which includes survey, assessment and engagement with Aboriginal stakeholders in accordance with relevant guidelines. A preliminary assessment of the impacts of the project on Aboriginal cultural heritage (prepared during the scoping phase of the project) concluded that there is a low likelihood for further Aboriginal objects being recorded within the Stage 2 project boundary. The ACHA will provide a detailed assessment of those potential project impacts to Aboriginal cultural heritage values, and its findings, including any management measures, will be incorporated into the EIS.

The Social Impact Assessment (SIA) is a technical assessment which informs the overall EIS and is being conducted in line the NSW SIA Guideline (DPHI, 2025) and relevant best practice standards.

‘Social impacts’ are defined as the effects experienced by individuals and communities when a new project introduces change. The SIA seeks to identify, predict, and evaluate potential social impacts associated with the project. The SIA will also make recommendations for appropriate mitigation and enhancement strategies which will include the development of a social impact management framework and an Accommodation and Employment Strategy that will outline how the project will provide suitable workforce accommodation and maximise local employment and procurement opportunities, while minimising impacts on the local community and housing market.

During SIA engagement to date, community members have identified reduced visual amenity, noise disturbance of wind turbines, and poor-quality engagement and community involvement as the top concerns. Top opportunities identified were contributions to sustainability and the creation of employment opportunities.

To support the SIA process, Umwelt is engaging with local community and key stakeholders to gain an understanding of both concerns and benefits related to the project. Community members and other local stakeholders are invited to contribute to the assessment by completing the SIA Survey, available online here.

Alternatively, to request a printed copy of the survey and a reply-paid envelope please contact Umwelt’s SIA team on Social-team@umwelt.com.au or 02 4907 0176.

Survey responses are due by 31 January 2026.

An Economic Impact Assessment (EIA) has been prepared for the project to assess its economic impacts. Key preliminary findings include:

• During construction, an estimated 70 direct and 110 indirect full time equivalent (FTE) positions will be supported by the project, with 160 direct FTE jobs required during peak construction.
• During operations, an estimated 10 direct and 30 indirect FTE jobs will be supported by the project.
• The project will deliver an economic benefit of up to $90 million to the region, across its construction, operation, and decommissioning phases.

The EIA recommends that prior to commencing construction, the Accommodation and Employment Strategy for the project be updated in consultation with relevant stakeholders.

Further impact assessments, reporting and investigations being undertaken as part of the EIS include:

• Biodiversity Development Assessment Report
• Bushfire Risk Assessment
• Water Resources Impact Assessment
• Soil, Land Capability, and Agriculture Assessment
• Air Quality Impact Assessment
• Hazards: Telecommunications, EMF, and Blade Throw Assessment
• Aviation Impact Assessment
• Preliminary Site Investigation

These assessments are underway and will be presented in the EIS. The project team is working towards submitting the EIS for Stage 2 to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) in mid-2026. After it has been accepted by DPHI it will be placed on public exhibition for a minimum of 28 days.

Community members, stakeholders, and government agencies are encouraged to review the EIS and make submissions or provide feedback through the project's page in the NSW Major Projects website.