Warracknabeal Energy Park Approval

Published on 20 October 2026

Yarriambiack Shire Responds to State Approval of Warracknabeal Energy Park

Yarriambiack Shire Council acknowledges the Victorian Government’s approval of the Warracknabeal Energy Park, a project expected to become one of the largest wind energy developments in the Southern Hemisphere.

Mayor Cr Andrew McLean said Council had actively participated throughout the Environment Effects Statement (EES) process to ensure local concerns and priorities were clearly articulated and considered.

“Council has consistently engaged in the assessment process to advocate for our community’s interests, particularly in relation to local roads, traffic management, flood mitigation, emergency management, housing pressures and broader community impacts,” Mayor McLean said.

“The EES process included public exhibition and inquiry hearings, providing Council and community members with opportunities to make submissions and present evidence.”

Mayor McLean said that while the project had undergone a detailed environmental assessment, Council was concerned that the final planning approval pathway differed from that anticipated during the EES process.

“Throughout the EES process, it was understood that the project would proceed through a planning permit process, with further opportunities for Council and the community to participate,” he said.

“Instead, the State Government chose to approve the project through a planning scheme amendment using section 20(4) of the Planning and Environment Act, together with a Specific Controls Overlay and incorporated planning controls.”

“What concerns Council is that the use of the Minister’s powers under section 20(4) exempted the amendment from the usual notice and exhibition requirements that would otherwise apply.”

“This meant our community did not have a further opportunity to make submissions on the final planning approval.  Had the project proceeded through the anticipated fast-track planning permit process, while the usual right to seek VCAT review of the Minister’s decision would not have applied, Council and the community would still have had an opportunity to make submissions.”

Mayor McLean said Council’s focus now was on ensuring that appropriate safeguards and commitments were delivered throughout the construction and operational phases of the project.

“Council’s priority is to ensure the interests of our community continue to be protected, particularly where the project affects local infrastructure, services and residents,” he said.

“We will continue to advocate strongly for our residents, ratepayers and landholders and work constructively with the Victorian Government and the project proponent to secure the best possible outcomes for our municipality.”

Mayor McLean said Council would carefully consider the legal and planning advice it had received regarding the approval process and the implications for Council’s ongoing role.

“Our focus is also on ensuring that commitments and requirements relating to local roads, drainage and flood mitigation, traffic management, accommodation and housing impacts, emergency planning and other community matters are effectively implemented.”

“Council will continue to engage with the State Government, the project proponent and our community as the project progresses.”

END RELEASE

Mayor Andrew McLean

Yarriambiack Shire Council