Project Status
WinterbourneWind Pty Ltd submitted an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the project to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) in November 2022. The EIS was on public exhibition from mid-November 2022 until late January 2023.
The next step in the permitting process is to prepare a Submissions Report which responds to the public and agency submissions received during the EIS exhibition period. We are currently working on the Submissions Report which will be prepared in accordance with the State Significant Development Guidelines – Preparing a Submissions Report. A key objective of the Submissions Report will be to provide further information to the public and government agencies to address questions about the proposal, and to identify opportunities to mitigate potential project impacts
In addition, we will prepare an Amendment Report which will document any changes to the proposed project which have been made to address issues raised and/or improve project outcomes. Although DPE initially requested that the Submissions Report be submitted by 28 April 2023, we requested an extension to December 2023, noting that additional bat surveys required by the Biodiversity and Conservation Division (BCD) are seasonally dependent and cannot be completed until October/ November this year. Once the Response to Submissions report is lodged, DPE will undertake an evaluation of the project and make a recommendation to the Minister for Planning and Environment. We would expect the project would then be determined by mid-2024. If approved, we would hope to commence construction by late 2024.
Project Timeline
2009
Site Identification
Early project development and wind monitoring.
2019
Project Acquisition
Wind Power Invest A/S, a wholly-owned subsidiary of global wind energy company Vestas, acquires a 95% project stake in WinterbourneWind Pty Ltd
September 2020
Submit Scoping Report
A Scoping Report for the project was submitted to NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE). The report incorporates results from preliminary environmental assessments and community engagement work.
September 2020
SEARs Issued
Late 2020
Establish CCC
A Community Consultative Committee (CCC) was established for the project. The CCC consists of an independent Chair, community members, local government representatives and project team members.
Late 2023
Environmental Assessment
Detailed environmental studies were completed as part of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). As part of the process, we assessed the visual, noise and ecological impact of the wind turbines, among other issues. The results have been incorporated into the project’s EIS.
The (EIS) for the project was submitted to DPE in November 2022. The EIS was on public exhibition from mid-November 2022 until late January 2023. A Submissions Report will be prepared which responds to the public and agency submissions received during the EIS exhibition period.
Late 2024
Development Approval
Development consent expected.
Late 2024
Grid Connection
Offer to Connect expected.
2025
Begin Construction
Construction expected to begin.