Wind Prospect has prepared an Environment Effects Statement and Planning Permit Application for the proposed Hexham Wind Farm.
Environment Effects Statement
An Environment Effects Statement (EES) was prepared for the project. The EES was formally exhibited and open for public comment between 27 January to 11 March 2026.
The EES outlines the benefits and potential environmental effects and impacts of the project on people and places during construction and operation. It proposes ways to manage and mitigate any impacts.
The EES includes 18 studies plus two peer reviews and a blast impact assessment report prepared by independent technical specialists. Community and stakeholder consultation helped the project team understand key issues and informed the development of the EES and preparation of studies. Feedback from the community resulted in further assessment by technical specialists as well as additional recommendations to mitigate and manage potential impacts.
The EES chapters, technical appendices and factsheets remain available to view on this website through the links below, however submissions to the EES are now closed.
The EES was assessed by a State Government appointed Inquiry and Advisory Committee, along with submissions, presentations and evidence tabled at a Panel Hearing to inform its report to the Minister for Planning. The report was submitted to the Minister on 16 July 2026.
Planning Permit Application
The Hexham Wind Farm also requires a Planning Permit Application (PPA) due to its location in a Farming Zone and the nature of the proposed development activities. Public notices of the PPA were placed in local newspapers, and home owners and occupiers of land within 5 kilometres of the project site were issued a letter outlining the planning application and formal submission process during the EES exhibition period.
The PPA PA2504115 and submissions received prior to the Directions Hearing on 31 March 2026 have been reviewed by the Inquiry and Advisory Committee who has provided advice to the Minister for Planning to inform the determination of the project (a decision on whether to approve or reject the application).
Details of the permit application can be found at www.planning.vic.gov.au/planning-approvals/ministerial-permits-register
If you have any questions about the PPA or the public notice and letter, contact the project team.
Inquiry and Advisory Committee Process
The Minister for Planning appointed an independent Inquiry and Advisory Committee (IAC) to advise on the environmental effects and planning merits of the proposed Hexham Wind Farm Project.
The IAC held a Directions Hearing on 31 March 2026 to make arrangements for a public hearing. The public hearing followed and ran for four weeks concluding on 22 May 2026. The IAC then considered all submissions, presentations and evidence presented to inform its report and recommendations to the Minister for Planning on the Environment Effects Statement and planning permit application.
The IAC submitted its report to the Minister for Planning on 16 July 2026, in accordance with the Terms of Reference.
The Minister for Planning will now consider the IAC’s report and is expected to make a determination on the project (a decision on whether to approve or reject the application) in quarter three, 2026.
Further information on the reporting and determination process will continue to be published at engage.vic.gov.au/Hexham-IAC
Talk to the team
If you have any questions on the planning process, please reach out to [email protected] or phone 1800 934 322 to speak to a member of the Project team.