May 2026 Update
After an extensive and exhaustive series of studies and impact assessments to support our planning and environmental applications to both Victorian and Commonwealth authorities we are very close to reaching a successful outcome.
The Victorian Government approved our planning permit application on 7 May.
This is due in no small part to the comprehensive suite of baseline assessments undertaken since 2015 repeatedly demonstrating the project’s low impacts.
In a parallel assessment, the revised Public Environment Report (PER) required under the Commonwealth EPBC Act is nearing completion and will be submitted later this month.
As a result, we hope to receive approval very quickly so that this small but locally significant project can proceed to construction.
We have demonstrated clearly that the project is extremely unlikely to have any negative impacts on the local environment – including the Corner Inlet Ramsar wetlands area – which has been the focus of much of the regulators’ attention.
The project will be underpinned by robust environmental management plans during construction and operations, including a stringent bird and bat management plan that will require further monitoring in its initial stages.
Adaptive mitigation measures will be deployed to instantly respond to any impact event with detailed and rigorous investigations, appropriate material responses, and reporting requirements to both DEECA and DCCEEW.
The project will include a Community Benefits Program (CBP) of up to $240k per annum. This program remains open to expressions of interest from community groups and individuals in order to guide its most effective and impactful use.
Near neighbours to the project have their own section in the CBP and will also be eligible for inclusion in the fund. In recent years the project has already supported significant local events and programs including the Tarra Festival, the Yarram Rotary Art Show, and current ongoing support of the Yarram Chalk Art Festival and Strzelecki Koala Festival.
While awaiting approval the project maintains a database of local members of the community seeking future employment on the project. A long list of potential suppliers and service providers have already submitted expressions of interest as we begin to establish a reliable supply chain with local business operations.
We are delighted to report that the project is positively engaged with the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC). The Gelliondale Wind Farm is subject to a comprehensive cultural heritage management plan and has commenced direct engagement on a partnership agreement with GLaWAC to provide maximum positive benefit for the Indigenous community.
We are continuing to engage with all levels of government, including Wellington Shire Council concerning economic development as well as with local providers over training and education for staff and contractors.
A further announcement will be made in response to any additional requirements from the EPBC process as it progresses toward a decision outcome.