Council Statement on the Proposed Seymour Wind Farm Project

Published on 23 August 2024

Murrindindi Shire Council acknowledges the proposal by Fera Australia to construct a large wind farm called the Seymour Wind Farm in the area between Avenel, Longwood, Ponkeen Creek and Ruffy in Victoria. The proposed project is said to feature 80 to 100 wind turbines that are up to 245 metres tall and require approximately 30km of new 330kV transmission lines, proposed to be overhead, mainly across private and crown land within Murrindindi Shire.

While the Murrindindi Shire community generally recognises the potential benefits of renewable energy projects, Council acknowledges the significant concerns raised by residents regarding the Seymour Wind Farm's potential social, economic, and environmental impacts in our "culturally significant, environmentally sensitive, ecologically diverse and pristine" region.

Council believes it is important to carefully balance the need for renewable energy generation with the protection of local amenity, environment, agriculture, tourism, and social outcomes. We have reached out to Fera Australia to seek a more comprehensive and meaningful community engagement process to ensure community concerns are heard, considered and addressed effectively. Council has suggested that citizen panels could be effective in expressing and tackling community concerns, including consideration by Fera Australia for the undergrounding of transmission infrastructure to protect our significant and celebrated landscapes.

As the Seymour Wind Farm project is still in its preliminary stages, Council encourages Fera Australia to step up community engagement efforts and conduct thorough environmental and social impact assessments. If a permit application is made to the Victorian Minister for Planning, who will ultimately assess and determine the project's outcome, Council will provide a submission as a referral authority that will clearly reflect the community’s views.

Murrindindi Shire Council remains committed to supporting sustainable development that benefits the local community while minimising negative impacts. We will continue to monitor the progress of the Seymour Wind Farm project and advocate for outcomes that protect the unique character and values of our Shire.