Wind Prospect is undertaking feasibility studies for the development of a wind farm located about 20 km northwest of Yass, between the townships of Binalong and Bowning.
The Bendenine Wind Farm Project is in the early stages, with initial environmental, social and technical assessments underway. The Project is expected to include up to approximately 90 turbines, subject to feasibility assessments and ongoing community consultation, as well as the incorporation of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
The Project will be co-located on agricultural land primarily used for sheep and cattle grazing, as well as cropping. It was selected due to its reliable wind resource, proximity to existing transmission infrastructure, and strong compatibility with existing land uses. This approach helps to minimise environmental impacts while allowing agricultural activities to continue alongside the Project.
Location
Project Details
Location
20 km northwest of Yass, between the townships of Binalong and Bowning
Project size
Investigating the feasibility of up to approximately 90 turbines, subject to and ongoing community consultation
Project components
In addition to wind turbines, there would also be site offices, an on-site electrical substation, transmission infrastructure, and a BESS
Community benefits
Ongoing financial support for community and neighbouring residents will be provided with opportunities for input into the development program
Stage of development
Initial feasibility and scoping level assessments
The Bendenine Wind Farm will create employment opportunities during the construction phase and provide ongoing jobs once operational. In addition, it will deliver broad community benefits throughout its lifecycle, including opportunities for local suppliers, businesses, and accommodation providers. These benefits have the potential to support economic activity in the region through increased demand for goods and services.
Wind Prospect has been developing renewable energy projects in Australia for 25 years. In this time, we have achieved planning approval for 22 wind farms and 3 solar farms. Our business is built on strong, lasting relationships with landowners, communities, and stakeholders, driven by open communication, a commitment to quality.
Developing a renewable energy project is a long and detailed process, guided by a rigorous assessment framework. We are currently in the first stage of this process and will be engaging closely with local residents, First Nations groups, the local community, and other stakeholders as the Project progresses.
Project approvals and timeline
The Bendenine Wind Farm will undergo the NSW State Significant Development (SSD) approval process, managed by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI). This process includes comprehensive investigations to identify, avoid or minimise any potential impacts on the environment, community and surrounding area.
Step 1
Prepare Scoping Report – This report will outline the key aspects of the project and identify matters requiring further assessment in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The Scoping Report will be submitted to DPHI.
Step 2
Issuance of SEARs – DPHI will issue Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs), setting out the necessary studies and investigations for the EIS.
Step 3
Wind Prospect will commission a broad range of environmental, social and cultural investigations to be completed by technical specialists in accordance with the newly updated NSW Wind Farm Guidelines. These will inform the preparation of the EIS.
Step 4
Public Exhibition of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) – The EIS will be exhibited publicly, allowing for feedback from the community and relevant government agencies.
Step 5
Government Review and Final Determination – Once the public exhibition period is complete, the relevant government bodies will review the submissions and make a final determination on the project.
In addition to the NSW approvals process, the Bendenine Wind Farm will require assessment under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
Timeline
Throughout each step of this process, community engagement remains a priority. Wind Prospect is committed to keeping the local community informed and involved at every stage of the project’s development.
Local and regional benefits
The Bendenine Wind Farm will bring significant economic and social benefits to the local and regional communities.
Job Creation & Local Procurement:
During construction, local employment opportunities will be created in areas like civil works, electrical installation and turbine assembly. Once operational, the wind farm will provide ongoing jobs in maintenance and operations. Local businesses will also benefit from procurement opportunities in construction, accommodation, catering and transport.
Community Benefit Programs:
Wind Prospect is committed to sharing the benefits of the Project and understands the importance of developing these initiatives in collaboration with the local community. We will provide opportunities for input, with programs likely to include:
- Neighbourhood benefits, including support for neighbouring landowners, businesses, and villages in the direct vicinity of the proposed development.
- Broader community benefits, focused on sharing benefits beyond the immediate area.
The scale and design of the program would be shaped as the project progresses, ensuring that benefits are proportionate to the final development. We invite community input to help us shape a fair and effective approach. As an example, if the Project were to proceed at around 500MW, this would equate to over $500,000 per year in community benefit funding.
Energy Transition:
The Bendenine Wind Farm will play a vital role in contributing to the state’s energy transition from coal-fired power generation over the next decade toward a sustainable, clean energy future.