Frequently Asked Questions

Wind turbines generate electricity by converting the kinetic energy of wind into mechanical energy (the turning of the wind turbine blades) which is then converted into electrical energy by a generator located in the turbine’s nacelle (also called the ‘hub’). Cables connect each wind turbine to the electricity network which feeds energy to homes and businesses.

Wind energy is one of the most cost-effective sources of electricity, thanks to advances in technology and a maturing supply chain. Australia also benefits from some of the best wind resources in the world. There is a significant and growing demand in Australia for new electricity generation as ageing coal-fired power stations near the end of their designed operational life.

Renewable energy sources like wind are also essential for Australia to meet its state and national emissions reduction targets and play an important role in addressing climate change.

A wind farm project life cycle contains four key phases:
1. Project development and approvals (3-7 years)
2. Construction and commissioning (2-3 years)
3. Operation (30+ years)
4. Decommissioning and rehabilitation (6 months – 2 years)

When a wind farm reaches the end of its operational life, there are several options including extending its lifespan by refurbishing the existing wind turbines or decommissioning the wind farm by dismantling infrastructure. Following decommissioning, the site would be either rehabilitated or may also be repowered with new wind farm infrastructure.

Where the site is not being repowered, decommissioning involves removing the wind turbines, site offices, and other infrastructure from the site. Disturbed areas are rehabilitated, allowing the land to return to its previous use. The wind farm owner is responsible for decommissioning and rehabilitating the site.

Requirements for decommissioning – such as reinstating the land – are set out in contracts with host landholders and in planning approvals. Financial securities, such as bonds, are also a standard part of wind farm lease agreements to ensure obligations are met.

Approximately 85 to 94% of a wind turbine is recyclable and can be recycled in Australia. In particular, the steel and copper used in the tower and cables are highly recyclable.

A wind turbine’s blades are made of high-strength, lightweight composite materials that are currently difficult to recycle. Wind turbine blade recycling is an evolving space and new materials and recycling processes are being developed.

Methods are being trialled across the globe in an effort to minimise waste from wind energy projects.

No, private wind farm developers such as Wind Prospect do not have the legal right to compulsorily acquire land.

Hosting wind farm infrastructure is entirely voluntary with land tenure established via contracts between the project developer and landholders who choose to host turbines or other project infrastructure on their property.

Wind farm projects in NSW undergo a rigorous environmental assessment and approvals process. The proposed Bendenine Wind Farm project requires approval under the NSW State Significant Development (SSD) process, which is administered by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI). This assessment process includes:
1. The Proponent prepares a Scoping Report to be submitted to DPHI outlining the proposed project
2. DPHI provides Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) to inform what is required to complete the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIS) for the project
3. The Proponent completes necessary site surveys and investigations and extensive stakeholder engagement to inform the EIS
4. The Proponent submits the EIS to DPHI
5. DPHI put the EIS on public exhibition providing an opportunity for the public to make submissions in relation to the proposed project
6. The Proponent provides responses to submissions
7. The NSW Planning Minister makes a decision as to whether the project is approved for development

The proposed Bendenine Wind Farm will also likely require assessment by the Federal Government in relation to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Wind Prospect is currently undertaking a range of feasibility studies to inform the preparation of the Scoping Report. This report will outline the key aspects of the Project and identify matters requiring further detailed assessment in the EIS.

REZs are not intended as the only locations that renewable energy projects can be developed. They have been established to coordinate renewable energy generation and transmission planning. The NSW planning scheme provides for projects to be developed outside REZs with assessment under the same State Significant Development process.

Yes, wind turbines produce aerodynamic noise from the movement of the blades through the air, as well as mechanical noise from moving parts within the gearbox and generator. Wind turbine noise is not always audible as background noise also increases with wind speed, masking turbine noise.

As part of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), specialist consultants will conduct detailed noise assessments to ensure the project design is compliant with strict NSW regulations minimising potential impacts to nearby communities.

Yes, engagement with First Nation peoples and detailed studies will be undertaken to identify cultural heritage values and develop measures to ensure they are protected.

The construction of the wind farm would be carefully managed to minimise any impacts on the local community, environment and surrounding land uses.
Measures would include:
• A traffic management plan
• Dust and noise control measures
• Structured, ongoing community engagement with local residents
• A construction environmental management plan
• Site rehabilitation after construction to restore any disturbed areas, such as access tracks or staging areas.

These measures would all comply with existing regulations and guidelines, ensuring that impacts are minimised and mitigated wherever possible.

Yes, wind turbines would likely be visible from parts of the local area. NSW has detailed requirements for visual impact assessments, which will be carried out by independent specialists. These assessments will inform turbine placement and potential mitigation measures, such as layout adjustments or vegetation screening, to minimise impacts in line with regulations.

Shadow flicker occurs when the rotating blades of wind turbine cast a moving shadow creating a periodic flickering effect of light. It is most noticeable when the sun is low and has a diminishing effect with increasing distance from the wind turbine.

The potential for shadow flicker will be assessed as part of the EIS. The NSW Wind Energy Guideline requires shadow flicker to be less than 30 hours per year at any dwelling. This threshold is consistent with best practice standards and aims to minimise potential nuisance to residents.

Wind farms have been operating in Australia and around the world for decades. Reviews by leading health authorities, including the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), have found no direct link between wind turbine operation and health issues.

Careful site selection helps minimise interaction with local ecosystems. Projects like the proposed Bendenine Wind Farm are located primarily on cleared agricultural land used for grazing and cropping.

Biodiversity assessments are also central to the EIS process, and where potential interactions with local ecosystems are identified, measures will be put in place to avoid and minimise any impacts.

Wind farms are designed and operated to meet strict fire safety regulations. Wind Farms have a bushfire response plan and wind turbines are equipped with fire detection and shutdown systems. Fire risk will be assessed as part of the EIS, with input from local emergency services where appropriate.

The wind farm is being designed to co-exist with existing agricultural activities, particularly grazing. Around 2–3% of the Project area will be used for wind farm infrastructure with the remaining land available for ongoing agricultural use.

Yes. Energy payback time refers to the time it takes for a wind farm to generate as much energy as was consumed for its manufacture and construction. This includes the manufacturing of components, transport, construction, operation, and decommissioning. Wind farms typically have an energy payback period of less than 12 months.

The NSW planning scheme requires proposed large-scale wind farm projects in NSW to assess potential cumulative impacts resulting from other wind farm developments in the region. This includes considering combined effects of visual, noise, traffic, biodiversity and social impacts, rather than looking at the project in isolation. For the proposed Bendenine Wind Farm, the cumulative impact assessment will form a key part of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). This assessment will also consider potential cumulative benefits such as the creation of local jobs, investment in infrastructure upgrades and contributions to community initiatives.

The NSW Government has issued Cumulative Impact Assessment Guidelines for State Significant Projects, which outline how these assessments must be undertaken. You can read more here.

No. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that wind farms pose a contamination risk to livestock or food production when co-located with farmland.

The Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) program is Australia’s national on-farm assurance system for food safety, biosecurity and animal welfare. Recent updates to the LPA website confirm that:

“LPA does not prohibit or restrict the installation of equipment including solar panels, electrical transformers, capacitors, hydraulic equipment, coal seam gas structures or wind turbines on land which is also used for livestock production and grazing.”

“While it is safe for livestock to graze in a paddock which also contains solar panels, wind turbines or other equipment, producers need to be aware of the potential risk of contamination as equipment degrades or reaches end of life.”

This means it is safe for livestock to graze in paddocks with wind turbines. The requirement for producers to declare infrastructure such as solar panels or turbines simply ensures that all potential on-farm activities are considered in the same way as chemical storage or pesticide use.

The Clean Energy Council has published a fact sheet on soil, water and food safety which provides further information.

Wind turbines are not considered a significant source of microplastic contamination. Recent research has found that onshore wind turbines release approximately 8 – 50 grams of material per blade per year through surface wear. By comparison, much larger amounts of microplastics are released annually from dominant sources such as tyre wear, synthetic textiles and plastic manufacturing.

Modern turbine designs, improved materials and protective coatings have further reduced wear rates. Any potential risks of the proposed Bendenine Wind Farm causing microplastic contamination will be assessed as part of the EIS and managed in accordance with NSW environmental regulations to protect land, water and livestock.

PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals historically used in products such as firefighting foams and some industrial applications. PFAS is not associated with wind farm technology or operation. Construction and operation of the proposed Bendenine Wind Farm would not involve PFAS-containing products.

Major projects can create uncertainty and stress for some community members and as part of our commitment to supporting local wellbeing, Wind Prospect is partnering with Rural Health Connect to deliver a Social Wellbeing Program. This program provides free, confidential counselling services to anyone in the local area, whether or not they are directly involved with the Project.

Many studies conducted by independent organisations have not found a clear correlation between wind energy developments and declining property values. An independent report commissioned by the former NSW Office of Environment and Heritage concluded that based on the available data, wind energy developments do not impact the property values of rural properties used for agricultural purposes. The findings of this report are consistent with those of a previous study undertaken by the NSW Valuer General.

The NSW Government also has a Renewable Energy Planning Framework FAQ which directly addresses this question. You can access it here.

The Insurance Council of Australia has advised that insurers do not have specific concerns about farms with, or next to, clean energy infrastructure. They are not aware of any cases where insurance has been refused or premiums increased because of a wind farm.

You can read more in a briefing note published by the ICA about farm insurance and energy infrastructure here.