Warracknabeal Energy Park Inquiry

Overview

The Minister for Planning will appoint an Inquiry to advise on the environmental effects of the proposed Warracknabeal Energy Park Project.

Warracknabeal Energy Park Pty Ltd (the Proponent) is proposing the development of:

• a wind energy generation facility within predominately agricultural land, 40 kilometres north of Horsham and five kilometres west of Warracknabeal, Victoria; and
• new high voltage transmission lines which will connect the Northern and Southern sections of the project, as well as will connect the project into the electricity network at the existing Murra Warra Terminal Station.

The project area, which encompasses all elements of the project, covers an area of approximately 26,000 hectares. The project will have an installed capacity of approximately 1.6 gigawatts.

The key components of the project include:

• 219 wind turbines
• two collector stations with battery energy storage system (BESS) facilities
• two new overhead high voltage transmission lines
• underground and overhead 33kv electrical reticulation within the project boundary
• ancillary infrastructure including operations and maintenance facilities, permanent wind turbine generator foundations and hardstands, site access points and access tracks, transmission and grid connection infrastructure and meteorological masts
• temporary infrastructure required during construction such as concrete batching plants, site compounds, equipment laydown areas and storage yards
• signage at strategic locations, including but not limited to construction compounds, operations and maintenance facilities, collector stations and main access points; and
• road and intersection upgrade works.

If the Project gains all required approvals, construction is anticipated to begin in 2027.

The Inquiry will:

• review the Environment Effects Statement (EES) and public submissions
• hold a public Hearing to hear from the Proponent and submitters who want to speak to their written submission
• provide advice to the Minister about the environmental effects of the project.

Inquiry members

The appointment of the Inquiry members is in progress. The names of the Inquiry members will be published here following their appointment.

Documents

You may view and download the exhibited EES and any other relevant documents at Proponent’s webpage.

Make a submission

Submissions to the Committee can be made at Engage Victoria.

Make a submission

https://engage.vic.gov.au/Warracknabeal-Inquiry

Need help putting together a submission?

Read our guide about submissions. The Guide to Presenting at an EES Hearing at Planning Panels Victoria also provides general information about EES Hearings and what to expect.

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 Warracknabeal Energy Park Project and the EES contact:

Warracknabeal Energy Park Pty Ltd
Phone: 1300 901 816
Email: info@WarracknabealEnergyPark.com.au
Website: https://warracknabealenergypark.com.au/EES/

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

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: 18/08/25