Planning Minister Justin Madden today approved three planning applications for the development of the $484 million Berrybank Wind Energy Facility south east of Lismore.

The Berrybank wind farm site is approximately 4543 hectares in size and located in South West of Victoria, between Lismore and Cressy, and about 150km from Melbourne. Grid connection is proposed via the 220kV transmission line north west of the site.

“The Berrybank Wind Energy Facility will include up to 99 wind generators producing up to 247.5 megawatts of electricity a year,” Mr Madden said.

Mr Madden said he had appointed a planning panel to review the three applications relating to the project and a public hearing was conducted in February 2010.

“The main issues addressed by the independent panel’s report included landscape and visual impacts, noise impacts, fire planning and management, social and economic impacts, fauna and removal of native vegetation.

Maddens office has worked closely with Corangamite and Golden Plains Shire Councils as well as the local communities, the developer UFWA, the Town Planner Tract Consultants and Freehills Lawyers to ensure the best possible outcome.

The Berrybank Wind Energy Facility planning panel report can be viewed online on the Department of Planning and Community Development website, www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/planning