Wind Prospect is in the environmental planning and determination phase of the development of the Hexham Wind Farm, a renewable energy project located between Hexham, Caramut and Ellerslie in south-west Victoria, approximately 15 kilometres west of Mortlake.
The Hexham Wind Farm is in the environmental and planning phase. Wind Prospect has been advised that the Minister for Planning has found the level of environmental effects acceptable for the Hexham Wind Farm project, subject to conditions. This determination allows the project to continue with the planning process including the Cultural Heritage Management Plan and Planning Permit Application.
The proposed Project is expected to include up to 106 wind turbines and a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
The Project would be co-located on agricultural land primarily used for sheep and cattle grazing, with some cropping. The Project site was selected due to its reliable wind resource, relatively low population density and proximity to existing transmission infrastructure. A terminal station would be built within the Project site next to the existing 500 kV transmission line, meaning the construction of new transmission lines is not required. This approach helps to minimise environmental impacts while allowing agricultural activities to continue alongside the Project.
Location
The map below shows the proposed operational project infrastructure layout. Turbine locations have been determined through detailed environmental, cultural heritage, technical and community assessments as part of the Environment Effects Statement (EES) approvals process.
Project details
Location
South-west Victoria
Project size
Up to 106 wind turbines
Project components
Estimated 2,559 GWh annual output. Up to 1.88m tonnes of CO2 abated annually.
Community benefits
Powering up to 515,000 households annually
Stage of development
Advanced Planning
The Minister for Planning has found the level of environmental effects acceptable. The project continues with the planning process including the Cultural Heritage Management Plan and Planning Permit Application.
If approved, the Hexham Wind Farm would support Victoria’s clean energy future by supplying renewable electricity to the grid. The Project would produce an estimated 2,559 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity annually. That would be enough to power up to 515,000 households and abate approximately 1.88 million tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.
In addition to its energy contribution, the proposed Hexham Wind Farm would deliver economic benefits for the region. It would create local employment opportunities during the construction phase and provide ongoing jobs once operational. The Project would generate opportunities for local suppliers, businesses, trades and service providers. Wind Prospect is committed to using local or regional labour and services where the required skills and expertise are available.
The Project would provide dedicated support for the local community. Hexham Wind Farm currently operates a Community Sponsorship Fund of $20,000 annually. Once operational, this would transition into a long-term Neighbour Benefit Sharing Program, providing on-going annual contributions of up to $106,000 per year, or up to $1,000 per turbine, for local initiatives over the life of the Project as well as other near neighbour payments and initiatives.
Over the life of the project, the Hexham Wind Farm would invest more than $30 million in shared benefits to the region.
We love supporting local community projects, programs and initiatives. Visit the Community page to see what we’ve sponsored and find out how you can apply for funding through our sponsorship fund.
Timeline
Stage 1
Environmental and planning approvals
Current: 2026
Stage 2
Post planning
2027
Stage 3
Construction and commissioning
2028-2030
Stage 4
Operation and maintenance
2030-2054
Stage 5
Decommissioning and rehabilitation
End of project's life
Project approvals and timeline
As part of the Victorian Government’s planning and approvals process for major projects, Wind Prospect prepared an Environment Effects Statement (EES) for the proposed Hexham Wind Farm. The EES is a rigorous process that requires considerable research and consultation to assess the potential environmental, social and economic impacts during the construction, operation and decommissioning of the Project and outlines mitigation and management measures where possible.
The EES was exhibited for public comment from 27 January to 11 March 2026. Following this an independent Inquiry and Advisory Committee (IAC) Hearing was held and concluded on Friday, 22 May 2026. The IAC considered all submissions, presentations and evidence to inform its report to the Minister for Planning, which was submitted on 16 July 2026.
The Minister has now completed her assessment of the EES and found the level of environmental effects acceptable for the Hexham Wind Farm project, subject to conditions. This determination allows the project to continue with the planning process including the Cultural Heritage Management Plan and Planning Permit Application.
For more information about the EES and planning process visit the Environment Effects Statement page.
Further information on the reporting and determination process will continue to be published at engage.vic.gov.au/Hexham-IAC
Community consultation
Community engagement has been an essential part of the Hexham Wind Farm project, from project scoping stage, during EES investigation and preparation, and through to EES exhibition and hearing.
The community has had an opportunity to formally provide feedback on the findings of the EES through the exhibition and hearing stage to the Minister for Planning. Any issues raised during the formal exhibition period have been carefully considered by the Victorian government as part of the EES determination. Visit the EES page for more information about the EES process.
Wind Prospect and AGL, as the potential long-term owner and operator, are committed to working with local communities and stakeholders to minimise impacts and maximise benefits of the project.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Project team.