Planning process

As the Stockyard Hill Wind Farm will have a capacity of more than 30 MW, the Victorian Minister for Planning will be the Responsible Authority for deciding on the planning application. The project will be assessed by the Minister for Planning under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (P&E Act) and the associated Wind Energy Guidelines.

In September 2008 the Minister for Planning determined that the project does not require an Environmental Effects Statement (EES), as the site offers scope to adjust infrastructure to avoid significant adverse environmental, heritage and amenity impacts.

The Victorian Minister for Planning has appointed a panel to assess the planning applications, including the submissions received and undertake public hearings.

A number of expert witnesses presented evidence at the panel hearings. Expert witness reports that are commissioned by Stockyard Hill Wind Farm are also available from the links below.

The planning panel hearings to consider the Stockyard Hill Wind Farm concluded on 26 May 2010. The Panel is currently preparing its recommendations on the project to the Minister for Planning, who will determine whether the project proceeds and identify any conditions that the project has to meet.

Victorian Planning Permit Approvals Process for the Stockyard Hill Wind Farm.

We have produced a summary guide to provide an introduction and overview of the Stockyard Hill Wind Farm project. The guide is not intended to substitute for the application and the associated studies. Information on how you can have a say on the project is also included in this guide

1. VOLUME I - Planning Permit Application Report (PPAR)

2. VOLUME II – Annexes to the PPAR

2.10. Annex J – Geology, Geomorphology & Geoscience Values

2.12. Annex L – Flora and Fauna Assessment

3. VOLUME III - Annexes to the PPAR

3.13. Annex W – Obstacle Lighting & Lighting Evaluation

3.14. Annex X – Noise Impact Assessment

3.16.1. Annex Z – Landscape and Visual Assessment

3.16.2. Photomontages

3.18.1 Annex AB – Plans

Application for a Terminal Station

1.2 Annex B – Plans

1.6 Annex F - Flora and Fauna Assessment

1.10.1 Annex J – Landscape and Visual assessment

1.10.2 Photomontages

Application for Removal of Native Vegetation (132 kV Powerline)

1.3 Annex C - Flora and Fauna Assessment

Application to Amend

Expert witness reports

Expert witness panel presentations

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999 (Commonwealth)

Matters of National Environmental Significance

In January 2009, the project was referred to the Commonwealth Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) who assessed the project and determined that the proposed Stockyard Hill Wind Farm is a 'controlled action' according to the EPBC Act. This means the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment believes that further information and consideration of the project is required under this Act.

The proposed wind farm will be assessed, for the purposes of the EPBC Act, by way of an Advisory Committee which will report to the Commonwealth Minister. The Terms of Reference for the Advisory Committee will be published nationally. The bilateral agreement between the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments provides scope for the planning panel to serve as the Advisory Committee on EPBC matters.

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