{
  "id": 17918935,
  "title": "Farmers blindsided by approval of 155-turbine wind farm ahead of election",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/farmers-blindsided-by-approval-of-155-turbine-wind-farm-ahead-of",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-03T06:07:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-11-03/farmers-blindsided-by-approval-of-155-turbine-wind-farm/107341552"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "A controversial 155-turbine wind farm has been approved in Victoria's north, just one day before the state government enters caretaker mode.",
  "key_points": [
    "Victorian government approves 155-turbine Meering West Wind Farm.",
    "Project could generate 1.3 gigawatts, includes 1,000 MWh battery storage.",
    "Farmers protest, claim they were kept in the dark about the project."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Pushing through massive renewable energy approvals just before entering caretaker mode signals a government intent to lock in major infrastructure projects regardless of intense local opposition or upcoming electoral shifts.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}