Farmers blindsided by approval of 155-turbine wind farm ahead of election
A controversial 155-turbine wind farm has been approved in Victoria's north, just one day before the state government enters caretaker mode.
The Victorian government has approved the Meering West Wind Farm, a project that could include up to 155 turbines, on the eve of a state election. This move has sparked controversy among local farmers, who have lodged more than 100 objections. The government's decision came just a day before entering caretaker mode, and the project's future may depend on the November 28 election.
The Coalition has pledged to scrap the VNI West transmission line that the wind farm is intended to connect to. The project, to be built in Meering West, about 140km north-west of Bendigo, would generate 1.3 gigawatts and include 1,000 megawatt-hours of battery energy storage. Construction is slated to begin in 2029. Farmers like Tyler Nelson, who have opposed the project, expressed disappointment but were not surprised by the government's last-minute approval.
They claim they were kept in the dark about the project until contracts and caveats were in place. The government, the project's representatives, and developer Virya have been approached for comment.
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