Portland will get the wind up

THE PORT of Portland will be a major business beneficiary of the Victorian government’s green light for a significant new wind farm in Victoria’s south west.

The go-ahead is for the Kentbruck Green Power Hub near Nelson.

The 600-megawatt wind farm will include up to 105 turbines and generate around 2,000 gigawatt hours of renewable energy each year— enough to power about 380,000 homes, the government says.

The HM Capital project is about 5km from Nelson and 25km from Portland, about 300km west of Melbourne. It is is expected to create around 350 jobs during construction and 14 ongoing roles once operational, while also supporting the continued operation of the Portland Aluminium Smelter, one of the region’s largest employers.

The government has confirmed it can proceed following a rigorous environment effects statement that included extensive technical studies prepared by the proponent and a public exhibition period, allowing the community to review additional material and have their say.

A joint inquiry and advisory committee (IAC) then considered the EES, public submissions and evidence presented during a 24-day public hearing’.

Acting planning minister Gabrielle Willaims’ assessment was informed by the IAC’s report and concluded the project can proceed, “subject to further refinements and mitigation measures to ensure acceptable environmental outcomes".

“These include stronger protections for endangered bird and bat species – including the potential removal of five turbines – as well as additional measures to manage landscape and visual impacts in specific locations,” the government said.

In May last year the Kentbruck Green Power Hub wind farm was selected in the first NEM Generation tender round of the Federal Government’s Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS). Kentbruck was the only Victorian wind farm to be selected.