Wind energy in Australia – Ararat wind farm gets green light

Planning Minister Justin Madden approved the $326 million wind power development at Ararat, subject to conditions.

The 247.5 megawatt wind farm would include up to 75 wind turbines and produce enough wind energy to power more than 135,000 homes.

Mr Madden said he had approved the wind power project after accepting the recommendations of an independent panel.

"Community concerns about potential landscape and visual amenity and environmental impacts have been heard and appropriate conditions have been placed on the planning permits, including (addressing) landscape, and flora and fauna issues," Mr Madden said in a statement.

The wind farm would be built by Renewable Energy Australia and was expected to create 180 jobs during construction.