Project Status
WinterbourneWind Pty Ltd submitted a Scoping Report to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) in September 2020. This report provides preliminary information about the wind farm project and its potential impacts. In response, DPE issued the Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) for the project in September 2020. The SEARs will underpin a detailed environmental assessment of the project, which will be documented in the project Environmental Impact Statement.
Based on the results of preliminary biodiversity, noise, visual, transport and other studies, and the results of extensive wind resource monitoring within the project area, we are refining the project layout to optimize project performance whilst minimizing potential impacts. WinterbourneWind is also working with host landowners, project neighbours, the Walcha community, Walcha and Uralla Councils, and regulatory stakeholders to understand concerns and incorporate feedback into the final project design.
We expect to lodge the EIS for the project in mid 2022.
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
June 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
We have established a Community Consultative Committee (CCC) for the project. The CCC consists of an independent Chair, community members, local government representatives and project team members.
2020 - Mid 2022
Environmental Assessment
Detailed environmental studies are being completed now and are expected to be complete in late-2021. As part of the process we will assess the visual, noise and ecological impact of the wind turbines, amongst other issues. The results will be incorporated into the project’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) which will be submitted to DPE. When the EIS is published there is a 30-day period for the community to provide feedback.
Mid 2023
Development Approval
Development consent expected.
Mid-Late 2023
Grid Connection
Offer to Connect expected.
Late 2023
Begin Construction
Construction expected to begin.