Hexham Wind Farm EES Inquiry and Advisory Committee

Overview

The Minister for Planning will appoint a joint Inquiry and Advisory Committee (the Committee) to advise on the environmental effects of the proposed Hexham Wind Farm Project and the planning merits of planning permit application PA2504115.

Hexham Wind Farm Pty Ltd (the Proponent) is proposing the development of a wind energy generation facility 15 kilometres west of Mortlake and 15 kilometres north-east of Woolsthorpe, Victoria. The project site, which encompasses all elements of the project, covers an area of approximately 16,000 hectares.

The key components of the project include:

• up to 106 wind turbines (maximum tip height of 260 metres)
• a 200 megawatt battery energy storage system
• an on-site terminal station enabling connection to the Moorabool–Heywood 500 kV transmission line
• approximately 42 kilometres of overhead powerlines to connect turbines to the on-site terminal station
• approximately 139 kilometres of underground electricity cables
• permanent and temporary ancillary infrastructure, including operations and maintenance facilities, site access points and approximately 147 kilometres of new access tracks, transmission and grid connection infrastructure, meteorological masts, concrete batching plants and site storage areas; and
• road and intersection upgrade works.

The Committee will:

• review the Environment Effects Statement (EES) and public submissions on the EES
• review planning permit application PA2504115 and any referred submissions and objections
• hold a public Hearing to hear from the Proponent and submitters who want to speak to their written submission or objection
• provide advice to the Minister about the environmental effects of the project, with a focus on the key EES matters
• provide recommendations to the Minister for Planning to consider in determining the planning permit application, with specific advice on the key planning permit matters if the Minister decides to grant the permit.

Inquiry and advisory committee members

• Con Tsotsoros
• Elizabeth McIntosh
• Kym Burgemeister
• Natasha Reifschneider

Documents

You may view and download the exhibited EES documents and other related documents on the Proponent’s webpage.

Terms of reference

Submissions

Submissions to the IAC on the EES are available at Engage Victoria.

Planning permit application

An application for a planning permit has also been lodged for the project under the Planning and Environment Act 1987. This is permit application PA2504115. Details of the permit application and how to make a submission or object to the planning permit application can be found here.

Legal Assistance Pilot Program

The Legal Assistance Service is a new 12-month pilot program for PPV hearings, offering no-cost or low-cost legal assistance to eligible submitters. The options for legal assistance can range from preliminary advice, review of documents and assistance with preparing submissions, and representation at a hearing. The scope of assistance and fee arrangements will be discussed directly with the barristers who will be engaged by direct brief.  Foley’s List is facilitating the pilot program.

The Legal Assistance Service aims to assist eligible participants in PPV processes. Foley’s List will discuss next steps directly with those who submit an enquiry form. Further information can be found on our Legal Assistance Service webpage.

More information

To find out more about the Hexham Wind Farm Project, the EES and planning permit application contact:

Hexham Wind Farm Pty Ltd
Phone: 1800 934 322
Email: info@hexhamwindfarm.com.au  
Website: https://hexhamwindfarm.com.au/

For more information about the Minister's Assessment and EES process contact:

Impact Assessment Unit
Department of Transport and Planning
Email: environment.assessment@transport.vic.gov.au

For questions about making an objection and submission on the planning permit application and the planning permit process, contact:

Name: Energy Assessment Team, Department of Transport and Planning
Email: development.assessment@transport.vic.gov.au

Accessibility and assistance

Deaf, hearing or speech impaired? Please contact the National Relay Service on 133 677 or www.relayservice.gov.au

Page last updated: 26/05/26